The Woodward News

Opinion

February 18, 2009

Balancing priorities

U. S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, has lost my vote for governor.

Not that she had it in the first place, but there's definitely no chance she'll win it now.

Not after I learned about a pet resolution (H. Res. 60) she has sponsored "recognizing and commending University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford for winning the 2008 Heisman Trophy and for his academic and athletic achievements."

Don't get me wrong, winning the Heisman Trophy is definitely an achievement that deserves recognition. But weren't the weeks of media coverage following Bradford's selection as the 2008 Heisman winner enough? Shouldn't being named the best player in collegiate football be adequate honor in and of itself?

Someone suggested to me that perhaps Fallin is simply wanting to highlight Bradford's accomplishments in addition to winning the Heisman, such as the fact that he has a 3.95 GPA in Finance at the University of Oklahoma, which is noted in the resolution.

My friend's suggestion seemed to be supported by the fact that earlier this week Fallin stood in the House praising Bradford for setting priorities and putting his education first.

But I simply wish to say that the Congresswoman could learn a thing or two from this young man she's so eager to applaud. Maybe she should stop and think about what priorities she's setting.

Surely there are more important things that Fallin and her fellows in Washington could be spending their time on.

In a recent meeting with the press in Tulsa, Fallin herself admitted that she and her fellows in Congress should be asking "what's a priority for our nation?" as they evaluate proposed economic stimulus packages.

She said they need to be thinking of "what will actually create jobs" rather than "what is just another government spending program."

While her Bradford resolution might not be creating any unnecessary spending programs, it's certainly not helping to create any jobs or solve any of the current "critical issues," which she herself said are "facing the nation right now."

However, despite all these critical and serious issues facing our country and our capital, Fallin also noted in the Saturday press conference that she and her fellows in Congress are still finding time to have "some fun in Washington."

Perhaps this resolution is just a part of that 'fun.'

And now that I think about it, why shouldn't they have some fun? I'm sure it's a lot of hard work spending $800 billion that they themselves won't have to pay back. Because, as we've seen recently, politicians often don't pay their taxes, or at least not the President's cabinet hopefuls.

Rep. Fallin, please stop wasting our time and our money.

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