Musical Interlude: Of the Father's Love Begotten

It's time for another Musical Interlude! And yes, I'm posting a Christmas song... but you'll have to bear with me - I've been playing Christmas music for a few months now, since my church's orchestra began the annual preparation for our Christmas program. Besides, Christmas is less than two months away now!

The lyrics to this particular song, Of the Father's Love Begotten, were penned by Aurelius Prudentius around A.D. 400, and the melody originates sometime between the 10th and 12th centuries.





To listen to more Musical Interludes, click on the 'Musical Interludes' label.

'Occupy LA' Protester: Run the Jews Out

With the spread of the radical-left Occupy [fill-in-the-blank] movement, attention is being attracted to the very real anti-Semitism within its ranks. Watch this video.




McAllister: "Jews have been run out of 109 countries throughout history, and we need to run 'em out of this one."

The original interview with McAllister that sparked the controversy is here.

Faught: strong fundraising quarter, 80% from within CD2

Faught Off to Strong Start, Raises over $105,000

Faught receives support from across the district.

Muskogee, OK — Muskogee businessman and conservative state legislator, George Faught, announced today that he has raised $105,331.00 during his first quarter of fundraising in his bid to be the next Congressman from the 2nd District of Oklahoma. Faught, who is making his first run for Congress, announced on July 14th his intention to run for the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Dan Boren.

"Our campaign has gotten off to a great start both in fundraising and grassroots support," said George Faught. "The contributions we have received so far, as well as the number of like-minded individuals who are uniting with us is truly humbling and energizing. Over 80% of our donations have come from people who live and vote in the 2nd District. It really shows that they are ready to send a tried, true and genuine conservative fighter to Congress to stand up to the politics of the Obama Administration."

George Faught is in his 3rd term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and represents a 70% registered Democrat district located within the boundaries of the 2nd Congressional District.

"Our shared conservative values have been under attack for years, and the power to stop this onslaught lies with the people of this great nation. Alone we may not be able to do much, but if we unite, together we can accomplish many great things," said Faught. "This is just an early step in our battle to return the 2nd District and Congress to the principles our nation was founded on, and away from the special interests and liberal politics of Washington. I want to thank all of the folks who have signed on with our campaign so far, and look forward to traveling across this fine district in the coming months."

Staunchly pro-life, pro-business, and pro-limited government, Faught was recently endorsed by the Concerned Women PAC and the Can-Do Conservatives of America. In 2010, Faught received the top 'Limited Government' rating from Oklahomans for Sovereignty and Free Enterprise (OK-SAFE). He was honored in 2011 as ‘Representative of the Year’ by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Faught lives in Muskogee with his wife, Becky, and is the father of three grown children. You can learn more about George and his campaign by visiting his website, and by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

Shannon elected House Speaker-designate

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 17, 2011) - Rep. T.W. Shannon has been elected House Speaker-designate for the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.

The House Republican Caucus elected Shannon (R-Lawton) as Speaker-designate during a caucus meeting Monday morning at the Capitol.

Should Republicans maintain their majority in the House following next year’s election cycle, Shannon will be next in line to serve as Speaker of the House beginning in November 2012, when current House Speaker Kris Steele leaves office due to term limits.

“The House will be in good hands under Representative Shannon’s leadership,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “T.W. is a dynamic and capable leader who will continue to work hard for the state of Oklahoma. I look forward to begin working with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition next year.”

Shannon and Reps. Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, and Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, were the candidates for Speaker-designate.

“The three candidates who made themselves available to fill this position are fine public servants and are to be commended for their enthusiastic desire to be leaders in Oklahoma’s effort to grow as a state,” Steele said.

Shannon, 33, said he looks forward to working with Steele and the rest of the House in the coming months.

“I was extremely humbled by the support shown by my colleagues today,” Shannon said. “I am excited and ready to stand behind Speaker Steele to help grow our majority in the coming election and assist in advancing a conservative agenda that will make Oklahoma a destination to live, work and raise a family.”

Shannon, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a sixth generation Oklahoman and third generation Lawtonian. He has served in the Legislature since 2006, representing House District 62. Shannon previously served as a congressional staffer for U.S. Reps. J.C. Watts and Tom Cole.

Shannon and his wife, Devon, also a Lawton native, are the parents of a daughter, Audrey Grace, and a son, Tahrohon Wayne II.

Shannon holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Cameron University and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University. (OK House Media)

Also of note: once formally elected Speaker in November of next year, Shannon will become the first black speaker of the house in state history.

Israeli cabinet approves deal to release Gilad Shalit

After 1,935 days in captivity, Israeli Army Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit may well be coming home soon.

In a deal negotiated with the help of the Egyptian government, Israel has agreed to a phased release of over 1,000 Arab terrorists held in Israeli prisons. In return, Hamas (the Islamic terrorist group in control of the Gaza Strip) will turn Shalit over to Egypt, who will transfer him to back to Israel.

Shalit was captured in a raid on June 25th, 2006, and has been held hostage by Hamas ever since. The only contact with the outside world Gilad has been able to make during his captivity took place in 2009; three letters, an audio tape and a video. Repeated attempts by the Red Cross to visit Shalit have been refused by Hamas, and previous negotiations or rescue attempts all failed.

Perry slams Romney in web ad

Texas Governor Rick Perry's presidential campaign released a hard-hitting ad against fellow GOP contender Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts. Take a look.

Bridenstine receives Combat Veterans for Congress PAC endorsement

Jim Bridenstine, Republican candidate for Congress in the 1st Congressional District, recently received the endorsement of a national veterans political action committee. Bridenstine, who is running against incumbent Congressman John Sullivan, announced his candidacy in the middle of September.

Tulsa’s Jim Bridenstine Endorsed by National Veterans Organization

Tulsa, OK - U.S. congressional candidate Jim Bridenstine (Jenks) was officially endorsed by national Veteran’s P.A.C. “Combat Veterans for Congress” Thursday.  Bridenstine, who was recently selected to rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, joins the company of such notable Veterans as Florida Congressman Allen West, Lt. Col- USA (Ret), Arizona Senator John McCain, Capt-USN (Ret), and California Congressman Duncan Hunter, Capt-USMCR.  Bridenstine officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Oklahoma’s 1st U.S. Congressional District on Thursday, September 15th in Tulsa.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Combat Veterans for Congress PAC.”  Said Bridenstine.  “This group represents the best America has to offer and the ideals that will keep America strong and free. I will never forget the fighting men and women with whom I serve or those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our republic.”

The PAC’s Chairman and Director said of Bridenstine:

“After a careful and thorough evaluation of the Congressional race in the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma, it is our strong opinion that Lcdr Jim Bridenstine, USNR has the best chance of limiting government, controlling spending, and retaining that seat in the Republican column. The Combat Veterans For Congress are interested in electing men and women who will try to fundamentally change the way business is conducted in Congress. Lcdr Bridenstine’s proven courage in combat, willingness to protect and defend the US Constitution in war and in peace, and his intent to rein in the out of control spending by Congressmen who have been unresponsive to the will of their constituents, makes Lcdr James Bridenstine the clear choice for the voters of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District.” -- Capt Joseph R. John, USN (Ret), Chairman, Combat Veterans For Congress PAC

Bridenstine, a Republican, is a pilot in the U.S. Navy Reserve, but is best known as the former Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, where he created the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show and launched Tulsa’s effort to acquire a retired space shuttle.  In 2010, he accepted orders to serve with the United States Navy Reserve, where he was recently selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander.  He currently flies counter-drug missions worldwide.

Early in his active duty career, Jim Bridenstine flew E-2C Hawkeyes off the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.  It was there that he flew combat missions and gathered most of his 1,800 flight hours and 333 carrier arrested landings.  Jim participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Southern Watch in Iraq, and Operation Shock and Awe in Iraq.  While on active duty, Jim Bridenstine transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew with the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, the parent command to TOPGUN.

The 1993 Jenks High School graduate was Oklahoma Swimmer of the Year.  His formal education includes a Triple Major from Rice University (Economics, Business, and Psychology) and an MBA from Cornell University.

Jim Bridenstine is married to Michelle (Ivory) Bridenstine.  They have three children, Walker (5), Sarah (3), and a Baby on the way. Jim Bridenstine and his family are members of South Tulsa Baptist Church.

ABOUT Combat Veterans for Congress –

Combat Veterans For Congress Committee supports fiscally conservative Combat Veterans to Congress who believe in limited government, will rein in the out of control spending of Congress, are committed to preserving and defending the US Constitution, and will support the independence and freedom of the individual as outlined in the Bill of Rights, according to their mission statement.  They also support those who are dedicated to promoting The Free Enterprise System that created the greatest economic engine in the history of mankind, who will provide for a strong national defense, and who will endorse the teaching of US history and the Founding Fathers’ core values in educational institutions.

For additional information about Combat Vets for Congress, visit CombatVeteransForCongress.org. For additional information about Bridenstine, visit JimBridenstine.com.

'The Play' - Celebrating 10 Years

It's been 10 years since the famous Roy Williams 'Superman' play at the OU-Texas football game. Today, OU gets another chance to beat Texas...

BOOMER SOONER!

Constitutional Flaw?

Just how big is Oklahoma's government?

Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma has put together a great video, detailing how vast and complicated Oklahoma government is. Take three minutes and watch the video below.

Palin decides against 2012 campaign

In a decision that isn't too much of a surprise, Sarah Palin announced yesterday that she will not be running for President in 2012.

October 5, 2011
Wasilla, Alaska

After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.

My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office - from the nation's governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the "fundamental transformation" of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.

From the bottom of my heart I thank those who have supported me and defended my record throughout the years, and encouraged me to run for President. Know that by working together we can bring this country back - and as I've always said, one doesn't need a title to help do it.

I will continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets, including in the race for President where our candidates must embrace immediate action toward energy independence through domestic resource developments of conventional energy sources, along with renewables. We must reduce tax burdens and onerous regulations that kill American industry, and our candidates must always push to minimize government to strengthen the economy and allow the private sector to create jobs.

Those will be our priorities so Americans can be confident that a smaller, smarter government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people can better serve this most exceptional nation.

In the coming weeks I will help coordinate strategies to assist in replacing the President, re-taking the Senate, and maintaining the House.

Thank you again for all your support. Let's unite to restore this country!

God bless America.

- Sarah Palin

With Palin and Chris Christie declining to run, the GOP field is most likely in its near-final form. It is probably too late in the race for a candidate to get in and still have a chance at winning; Rick Perry seems to be discovering that he may well have waited too long to jump in.

Palin made the right decision; unfortunately for, her brand is still damaged from the pounding she took in the 2008 election and immediately thereafter from the mainstream media and the Republican establishment. While she still would have been a formidable candidate in the GOP primary, her viability in a general election campaign is questionable. I think she realized that she can be most effective on the sidelines, focusing her efforts on down-ballot races and firing up the grassroots for 2012.

Faught picks up Concerned Women endorsement

State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee), candidate for Congress in the 2nd District, picked up a big endorsement today, as the Concerned Women Political Action Committee (affiliated with Concerned Women for America) announced their support of his candidacy. The release is below:

You can learn more about Faught and his campaign by visiting GeorgeFaught.com.

Balancing the budget and concern over debt unite Oklahomans

The national debt currently stands at over $14.7 trillion, and that sum causes great concern to Oklahomans, regardless of political affiliation. By the same token, an overwhelming majority of Oklahomans support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget.

SoonerPoll recently conducted a survey that asked respondents’ thoughts on the national debt, and on a balanced budget amendment, and I think you’ll find the results to be interesting.

Click here to read the rest of my column and poll analysis at SoonerPoll.com.