The Oklahoma Eagle Editorial
To be sure, the tragic saga that is the shooting death of unarmed Terence Crutcher, in September of 2016, by then Tulsa Police Department (TPD) Officer Betty Shelby, who was acquitted in his death, has grabbed the attention of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), and American Civil Liberties Union, who have asked for a huge freedom of information request on police activities.
High on the list was any case of excessive force and anything resembling “driving while black.” They are not trying to find out if Tulsa has a problem, they are trying to find out how big it is.
Tulsa has a historic problem with police, with black policemen getting treated unfairly within the department, routine traffic stops that erupt into violence, mayhem and shootings. There are cases of cops allegedly stopping a car for no other reason than it is being driven by a black man or woman. At this point, TPD officials are not exactly thrilled at having to process this lawful request.
Step one in creating change is to get as much facts as possible. TPD in the past kept unusual information which made it hard to assess the nature of stops. Hopefully, the current records will paint a picture of a confrontational relationship, not because its good but because it’s true.
It is clear this effort is tragically tied to the Terance Crutcher case, when then Officer Betty Shelby shot the unarmed Crutcher. She was acquitted of the shooting death. Crutcher and other cases of police interaction with people of color is a problem that has long needed some examination. But first, one must start with the facts. Neither side can argue without the facts, good and bad. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties are expert in finding the facts no matter where they are buried. And buried they are; for much too long.
Talking And Planning A Better Future For Tulsa North
North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDI) is meeting with residents to discuss development plans. Sounds like they are discussing positive plans, not grievances. Nothing wrong with airing out problems. However, this venue appeared to be about what residents want in the way of improvement to help create a better environment. Hope and creative thought are great weapons against poverty and negative thinking.
Working in concert with City officials, this method of meeting, developing ideas and presenting them to the city will create the best environment for change. Some call this method “strategic planning.” A method long hailed as the best way to prioritize the most pressing needs and this usually comes with an estimated cost. This is important because there is little chance of getting everything the community wants the first go around.
Ideas like better childcare are life savers for young families trying to make ends meet. This may sound insignificant to some people, but if you can’t get reasonable and quality childcare you can’t work. It’s that simple. These ideas and others like them are good starting points; doable ideas that will help stimulate economic development. As these meetings progress, the residents will develop new initiatives to put in place. Like the efforts on south Peoria, its inspiring to see residents take control of their neighborhoods and lives. The Oklahoma Eagle supports and endorses these efforts to bring quality change to neighborhoods in need.
If it seems like this paper is overly excited about the planning going on in Tulsa north, then it’s because we are. Every great society, community and city that became shining examples of economic success did so with the aid of a plan. Some named it, and those who worked on the project referred to what was agreed upon. We are eager to learn the name and new priorities of this effort to create a better neighborhood and life.
Oklahoma At A Crucial Crossroads Over Education Funding
Oklahoma’s method of funding common and higher education is once again being examined; or what some called “throwing money” at the problem. Heard that old complaint before, but that kind of thinking is just what has landed the State at number one in the nation for funding cuts to common education. That is beyond shameful. It is a particularly cruel to Tulsa north communities. Poor educational opportunities are harmful to every Oklahoma child but it’s a kick in the gut to people of color and their schools. Like the old saying goes: “when they catch colds, we catch pneumonia.” People of color are tired of pneumonia and starving schools.
This is not a new situation. We have made cuts to education every year since 2008. You might examine that sentence for just a second. Oklahoma leads in inflation-adjusted cuts to common education funding per student, going all the way back to 2008. These disturbing facts are provided by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Republicans have controlled the legislative agenda for years and knowing the State was cutting spending on education and a variety of health programs they were simultaneously slashing income taxes. That is, of course, a bitter recipe for destroying our education for years. Most states would realize the damage cutting funds for education while reducing tax revenues meant there was nowhere to look for propping up the most valuable program for the future of the State. States that prosper do so with strong education systems that are funded by a steady and reliable funding source. Not Oklahoma, we are fat, dumb, and happy. And we constantly wait for the next oil boom where life is good, and lawmakers can spend money without a care in the world.
We must stop chasing the dragon of past good times and face the crisis. Governor Mary Fallin will be calling the legislators back to address this problem. Let’s hope those who take funds from oil and gas interests will remember who they really represent. The people deserve better; do your job.
