Party Politics
I hate party politics!
The rally went well, but we got lampooned by the State Representative! I think he was sent to deliver a message by party officials - and he certainly did. We're not quitting! In fact, his statements will drive me to the "ends of the earth" to make this happen. I will post some photos later and some of the articles from the press. Below is our official statement to the press after the rally:
Press Statement from Roger Nix, Coordinator,
United Victims group will continue to fight for changes in Title 43A and the impeachment of 3 Oklahoma Criminal Court of Appeals judges.
Comments made by State Representative Bud Smithson were disappointing and our group is seeking support from Republican House members in an effort to make the necessary changes to protect the public safety. I was surprised that Mr. Smithson did not support the impeachment issue, but I'm beginning to understand party politics. Since the Court is made-up of 4 judges appointed by Democratic Governor's, I suppose it was naïve to think Mr. Smithson would take a stand against the Democratic Party in Oklahoma. Smithson did say he contacted several people to discuss the impeachment issue, I just don't think he spoke to the right people. Judges Chapel, C. Johnson and Lewis need to be investigated by the House not only for the Fears case, but also for many others. Our group is currently researching decisions reached by the OCCA and will compile a list next month for review.
Smithson also commented that changing Title 43A will be hard, but we already know that. We were looking for support from his office to help persuade the Governor to call an emergency session of the Legislature. Smithson's only comment was that an emergency session will cost over 2 million dollars and we would likely not get it. Our belief is that if it cost 10 million dollars it would be worth it to save lives. Changes in Title 43A will not only keep Daniel Hawke Fears from the public but several other criminally insane "consumers" (patients) from endangering Oklahoma communities. I personally was perplexed by Mr. Smithson's lack of interest in Title 43A changes, especially considering that he is a retired State Trooper. The safety of the public is always at the forefront of police officer's minds as demonstrated by Sallisaw Chief of Police Shaloa Edwards who I spoke with after the rally. Chief Edwards is supportive of our group and encouraged us to continue pushing for changes in Title 43A.
Overall the rally was a success in my mind because we were able to brainstorm and bring new ideas to the table. I appreciate the support of the citizens of Sallisaw who attended the rally. We gathered many new supporters and they left with a plan of action to help make changes in the law. All we need now is a House member to champion these issues and help make the changes possible. I can guarantee that if Daniel Hawke Fears had killed a family member of a State Legislator, that changes would be made immediately. Unfortunately, most State Legislator's are very insulated from issues that haunt most people of Oklahoma. They should "walk a mile in the victim's shoes" and see things from their perspective.
Roger Nix
United Victims
Created with ShoutPost
