Welfare is a system that provides assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to people who qualify for services. Services include Medicaid, food stamps, and more. However, it is a bit strange that someone who lives in a county like Cleveland County has to drive 90-180 miles or more to see or speak with the DHS employee assigned to their case. That employee lives in another county, 90-170 miles away. It is not surprising that something adverse happens to their benefits, reducing their Medicaid health insurance coverage or reducing the amount of food stamps they receive. Perhaps due to a misunderstanding about their financial situation, they are unable to see or speak with the assigned DHS employee and cannot resolve the misunderstanding that would allow their benefits to be restored.
I personally know two people who have caved and accepted DHS’ ruling even though they would have had to drive that distance to get a pass to receive benefits. I’m sure there are many others with the same problem. So what about those who don’t have a car to drive to Comanche County (90 miles) or Adair County (170 miles)? I would have no doubt and my benefits would be reduced by DHS. I did not vote for Medicaid expansion just so DHS could assign caseworkers who live 90 to 170 miles away and take people off Medicaid for just a dollar or two.
Hopefully, someone will challenge the disrespectful treatment being used to reduce reliance on DHS simply because our state legislature does not want to provide the necessary funds to place DHS caseworkers in the areas where they live, and with the help of an organization like the ACLU, sue the DHS agency and the state legislature for such disrespectful treatment. If I had the means and funds, I am sure I would help them sue DHS and the state legislature in our state.
-Andre Snodgrass, Norman
Children may need the Ten Commandments and patriotism
“America’s children are in serious need of moral instruction. Ten years ago, I would have opposed Louisiana’s display of the Ten Commandments, but not now. Let’s inject some patriotism into these classrooms.”
–Scott R. Hammond, Tulsa
“Ol’ Man River” would be proud
With the Oklahoma River taking center stage and announcements being made that Oklahoma City will be the site of the Olympic Games in 2028, I can’t help but think how proud “Ol’ Man River” Ray Ackerman must be right now.
— Dean Scharf, Hara
Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, be honest, fair, and reasonable.
Over the years, I have observed the difference between what Democrats now call democracy and a constitutional republican form of government. The latter, along with certain aspects of democracy, promotes public opinion through representatives elected by the people. Pure democracy allows unlimited majority rule, which can sometimes lead to mob rule. On the other hand, representatives of the people who express what the Constitution requires are almost always better.
Of course, no form of government is completely perfect, but ours has been the closest thing since 1776. Democracy is a kind of code word for many Democrats, but Republicans also support democracy as represented by the Constitution. On both sides of the political aisle, let us act honestly, fairly, and sensibly.
-Joe Ralls, Moore
