Something called 'the Oklahoma Standard' became known throughout the world. It means resilience in the face of adversity. It means a strength and compassion that will not be defeated.

Reading builds the educated and informed electorate so vital to our democracy.

This is not the time for partisan bickering. This is not the time for politics as usual. Some of us are Democrats. Some of us are Republicans. Some of us are Independents. Above all, we must be Oklahomans first.

Oklahomans value our children and our seniors. Oklahomans value traditions of faith. Oklahomans value our heroes, our veterans. Oklahomans value innovation and the creative arts.

The status quo is simply unacceptable.

It is a paradox that far too few Americans participate in the wonderful ritual of democracy that we call Election Day.

The worst thing we can do is to do nothing.