Oklahoma’s freedom is under attack by federal policies, a gubernatorial candidate said Tuesday night in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.
During a meeting of OU College Republicans, state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, said he still believes in efficient and limited government, personal responsibility and the expansion of freedom.
“You may not know it yet — you may not realize it — but our freedom is under attack today,” Brogdon said. “We are in trouble in this state. We are in dire trouble in this country.”
Brogdon said this generation is in trouble because of policies that are being “pushed down” by Washington, D.C., politicians onto the state of Oklahoma. These policies are destroying the state of our economy, he said.
However, Brogdon said it does not have to be that way.
“I don’t like that change that has come to America,” Brogdon said. “I don’t like it. And I’m not calling for change tonight; I’m calling for something entirely different. I’m calling for restoration. I want the values of our founding fathers restored. ... That’s the only thing that will salvage our country.”
Brogdon said politicians in Washington, D.C., have made a mockery of the political system. However, if the people want to take their country back, it will have to be done at the state level, he said.
“You see one person can make a difference,” Brogdon said. “It only takes one person standing up and doing the right thing, for no other reason than because it is the right thing to do, to make a difference.”
Brodgon will face U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, in the Republican primary at the end of the month. Fallin was unable to attend the meeting because of a long-standing commitment in Oklahoma City, but was represented at the meeting by Alex Weintz, communications director for her campaign.
Weintz said Fallin has experience on her side as a state legislator and lieutenant governor, which is going to help her get the job done as governor.
“I think that experience is going to make a big difference,” Weintz said. “We’re at a point in our state here where we are facing a budget crisis — a massive budget crisis — the worst I’ve seen in years. We’re facing a national recession, which has driven up unemployment in Oklahoma and also contributed to the budget crisis. And I think it’s important that we elect someone who not only works hard and cares, but who has the experience and is going to be ready to work on day one. And I think Mary Fallin is that person.”
Fallin, who has worked in the private sector as a hotel manager, came into the public sector because she was dealing with problems that still hammer growth as a state, Weintz said. The problems included high workers compensation costs, rising health care costs and the bureaucratic and legal red tape that stifle job growth and economic development, he said.
Weintz also said Fallin’s No. 1 priority is creating an environment where the private sector can thrive and create its own jobs.
“As someone who was in college not too long ago, my No. 1 concern — at least when I was a senior — was getting a job and being able to support myself when I graduated,” Weintz said. “And if you can’t get that job out of college, or if you got a job and your company downsizes and has to lay you off as a lot of companies have had to recently, you are at a long-term, if not a lifetime, disadvantage.”
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cacremin 2 years, 2 months ago
Yes, change is a terrible thing. I'm definitely more comfortable got back to a simpler time. I share the values of our founding fathers, namely that only white men were people. USA! USA!
JJanowiak 2 years, 2 months ago
"Our freedom is under attack..." "I don't like change." Nice to see College Republicans shooting for the stars as usual! Is the Daily selectively quoting or does this guy really have the depth of an algae-filled reflective pool? Sen. Brogdon's message brought to you by the campus organization that would like YOU to keep Norman Normal.