Progressive Okie

Oklahoma Raise the minimum wage. Sign the petition.

2015-09-02T21:11:00.001-07:00

Oklahoma Raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Oklahomans deserve a raise. Sign the petition bellow to tell Oklahoma's lawmakers to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/raise-the-minimum-wage-113?source=c.em&r_by=308539

GUEST COLUMN: Can Sanders re-educate us on democratic socialism? - The Sun Chronicle : Columns

2015-06-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

GUEST COLUMN: Can Sanders re-educate us on democratic socialism? - The Sun Chronicle : Columns

Populist Oklahoma HD 88 candidate Mark Faulk the People's Choice

2014-05-21T01:11:00.000-07:00

Filmmaker, author, and activist Mark Faulk will officially file for House District 88 on Friday morning, April 11th. As an activist, his candidacy will signal a shift in the dynamics of Oklahoma politics. From Faulk4House facebook page

Faulk is a fifth generation Oklahoman who graduated from Classen High School in District 88, co-founded the Paseo Festival in 1977, and recently filed an initiative petition to decriminalize marijuana in Oklahoma City. His book, The Naked Truth, Investing in the Stock Play of a Lifetime, led to criminal indictments in a major stock fraud case, and he was the writer and field director for the documentary The Wall Street Conspiracy. Faulk is currently co-producing a documentary about the Prison Industrial Complex, entitled Voices in a Jailhouse.

His extremely detailed platform addresses over 25 different issues, and he is a strong supporter of ending the prohibition of marijuana, treatment over time for other nonviolent drug offenders, and ending Corporate Welfare by eliminating horizontal drilling tax breaks and paying a living wage to all workers.

"We have starved our public educational system and allowed our infrastructure to deteriorate, while giving massive tax breaks to a handful of already filthy rich corporations. The hundreds of millions of dollars wasted on corporate giveaways would be much better spent supporting public education, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and incentivizing locally owned, family businesses.

As a lifetime Oklahoman, Faulk has witnessed the changes that corporate political cronyism has brought to the state in recent decades.

“One of the things I have always loved about Oklahoma is our ability to accept each other's differences, and in fact, to embrace that diversity. The people of Oklahoma truly are our greatest asset. But over the last few years, our image as a caring people has been badly tarnished and replaced by an ugly political culture based on greed, bigotry, and oppressive laws enacted by narrow-minded politicians.

"Our first woman governor has led an all-out assault on her fellow women, passing unconstitutional laws that threaten to undo decades of advancements, while at the same time incarcerating more women than any place on earth. We have fought pointless battles based on bigotry and hatred while at the same time ignoring the most fundamental rights and needs of our citizens.”

Faulk says that he would like to engage the other candidates in House District 88 in a series of debates over the next two and half months. He said that he intends to run his campaign from an activist’s perspective, showing people that actions are more important than generic campaign promises.

CONTACT:
Mark Faulk
faulk4house@gmail.com

#faulk4house #HD88 #reformokc

One of the most exciting races in Oklahoma, a fight for the real progressive heart of Oklahoma. There are a few others running but no one with a real record of working for the people and standing up to big business and Wallstreet.

A progressive endorsement from Change Oklahoma:

From Truth-Out

Mark Faulk is a lifelong political/social activist, journalist, filmmaker, and author. Research from Faulk’s bestselling book, The Naked Truth: Investing in the Stock Play of a Lifetime, was integral in the DOJ issuing criminal indictments for 15 individuals in an international stock fraud case. He was the writer, associate producer, and field director of The Wall Street Conspiracy, a major independent documentary about financial fraud, which premiered in New York City in 2012. Mark Faulk has written hundreds of articles on financial fraud and other social political issues, has been a regular contributor to Financial Wire, and his work has appeared in major publications, including The Huffington Post and the prestigious Capco Journal of Financial Transformation.

There are just too many things to list that are good about Mark. He's a strong supporter of a living wage, marijuana decriminalization , and against the state GOP how have helped give us our current budget problems and heartless conservative policies that only help the rich and corporations. Please donate to Mark as he is a grassroots candidate.

I'm +PROGRESSIVEOKIE and I approve this message.

Oklahoma Rep Jadine Nollan Re: HB 1835 Marijuana Punishment bill

2014-01-29T02:19:00.000-08:00

Along with the much hype about legalization of marijuana in Oklahoma there is a much less talked about, HB 1835 that looks to reduce the penalty for possession of Marijuana. Please feel free to write your Rep...here was my response.

Jadine Nollan Jadine.Nollan@okhouse.gov

8:24 AM (19 hours ago)

to me

ProgressiveOkie,

Thank you for your thoughts and comments. I will keep them under advisement. You are absolutely right about our prisons being over crowded. I believe we do need to look at our non violent offenders policy.

Highest Regards,

Rep. Jadine Nollan

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 27, 2014, at 2:59 AM , ProgressiveOkie > wrote:
>
>
> Jan 27, 2014
>
> Representative Jadine Nollan
> State Capitol Building, Room 329-A
> 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard
> Oklahoma City, OK 73105
>
> Dear Representative Nollan,
>
> The House Public Safety Committee recently voted unanimously in favor
> of HB 1835, a bill that would amend penalties for possession of
> marijuana in Oklahoma. Presently, our laws are some of the harshest in
> the nation.
>
> HB 1835 would classify first and second offenses for marijuana
> possession as misdemeanors. Under current law, first-time offenses for
> possession are unclassified, and subsequent offenses are felonies with
> two to 10 years of possible jail time. I've seen reports that our state
> has a serious problem with prison overcrowding. Last year, Justin
> Jones, director of the Oklahoma Department of Correction, said he
> doesn't think the state can go any lower with its staff to prisoner
> ratio. He said there isn't enough money to keep up with the volume of
> prisoners.
>
> We only have so many resources in our state, and we should reserve
> two-year prison terms for people who victimize others, not people who
> use a substance that more than 100 million adults in the U.S. have
> tried at least once.
>
> This harsh punishment does not fit the non-violent crime of possessing
> marijuana. Please support HB 1835. Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,

ProgressiveOkie

Marijuana Law reform for Oklahoma in 2014

2014-01-27T01:50:00.000-08:00

Lots of stories in the news in papers and on TV. All of the Oklahoma groups for Marijuana reform are reporting more turnout and interest. It really seems like an exciting time for reforming Marijuana in Oklahoma. I've tried to provide a good starting point if you'd like to know whats going on...

Support Constance Johnson 's bill to Legalize marijuana. Sign the petition here. http://norml.org/news/2014/01/21/oklahoma-marijuana-legalization

Oklahoma: Marijuana Legalization Measure Introduced

State Senator Constance Johnson (D-District 48) has introduced Senate Bill 2116, which aims to legalize the possession, cultivation, and retail sale of cannabis to adults. The proposed legislation removes all criminal and civil penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and the personal cultivation of up to 5 marijuana plants by those over the age of 21. The bill would also create a system of retail cannabis outlets, cultivation facilities, and marijuana product manufacturers. You can read the full text of the measure here.
"I think we need to accept the realities that alcohol is a dangerous drug, prescription drugs are dangerous. Marijuana has not killed anyone," stated Senator Johnson.
Oklahoma presently possesses some of the strictest marijuana penalties in the nation. A second offense for minor marijuana possession is classified as felony, punishable by up to ten years incarceration. Cultivation of any amount of cannabis is also classified as a felony and may be punishable by up to life in prison.
According to a 2013 ACLU report, Oklahoma arrests over 10,000 individuals for simple marijuana possession every year, at the cost nearly 30 million dollars. These arrests disproportionately impact minorities. Despite only constituting 7.6% of the state's population and having similar use rates to their white counterparts, African Americans account for 20.8% of the state's marijuana possession arrests.
Please take a moment of your time to easily contact your elected officials in support of this important legislation.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51046/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12848

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.

If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

According to latest SoonerPoll results, Oklahomans are ready to consider marijuana for medicinal purposes and decriminalization. The poll had support for medical marijuana at 71% and support for decriminalization at 57%. The poll did not ask about legalization.

In addition, two of Johnson’s marijuana-related bills from the 2013 session still are alive, including SB 710, which would legalize medical marijuana.
SB 914 would decriminalize possession of less than an ounce in any situation.

Also coming up Oklahoma legislators will get a different look during a Feb. 12 hearing to discuss scientific evidence about the medical use of cannabis extracts, and listen to families who wish it could be obtained in Oklahoma.

The subject to be discussed has nothing to do with smoking, and it is not a substance people would use to get high. The product that will be discussed is an oil very low in THC — the psychotropic compound of cannabis that produces its notorious “high.”

Instead, the product is produced from cannabis plants specifically bred for a high level of cannabidiol — a compound with a calming effect on the brain. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has itself held a patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants since 2003.

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years - See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.
If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
Although this change is modest, it is still a significant improvement over the status quo. It’s a change that makes both common sense and fiscal sense. It would mean fewer adults would be jailed simply for choosing to use a substance less harmful than alcohol. It would also free up prison space for people who commit serious and violent crimes.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

. H.B. 1835, sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years.
If you live in Oklahoma, please ask your representative to support this sensible reform.
- See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

sponsored by Rep. Cory Williams (D-34), would make first and second offense possession of marijuana a misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would remain a felony, but the possible jail time would be reduced to a maximum of five years. - See more at: http://cannabisculturenews.com/2014/01/oklahoma-to-consider-lessening-marijuana-penalties/#sthash.AECYQTSr.dpuf

End Mary Fallin's Reign of terror with Tulsa Democrats and Joe Dorman

2014-01-09T03:26:00.001-08:00

This week in Tulsa- Meet the Democrats pick to run against Mary Fallin.

Rep Joe Dorman - Candidate for Governor of Oklahoma
Friday, January 10th 2014
Baxter's Interurban Grill - 717 South Houston Ave
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Come hear why we need stronger leadership in the Governor's mansion & how you can get involved with Joe's Campaign!
Click here to see the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/371835689618384/
Please RSVP to info@tulsacountydemocrats.org

Tom Coburn:" NSA's egregious, unacceptable violations were not allowed to continue—they were corrected"

2014-01-09T03:18:00.002-08:00

Correspondence from Sen. Coburn over NSA's liberty violations.

Thank you for your email regarding National Security Agency (NSA) programs in relation to Americans’ constitutional rights. It is good to hear from you.

The War on Terror is being fought not only in foreign lands, but within our country. We must be cautious not to give away our freedom in the name of national security, but I believe we can balance our national security and the freedoms we enjoy to ensure that an attack, such as the ones that occurred on September 11, 2001—never happens again.

As long as I have served in Congress, my top priority has been to protect Americans’ constitutional rights. Whether it has been protecting Americans from legislation which would infringe on their Second Amendment rights, United Nations treaties which infringe on our nation’s sovereignty, or unconstitutional Obama Administration policies, I have, and will continue, to ensure Americans rights and freedoms are protected.

There has been considerable speculation in the press about a number of NSA programs after the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by NSA contractor Edward Snowden. I understand why many Americans were outraged upon first hearing about the programs, but much of the information reported has been inaccurate and incomplete. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I have provided oversight on these programs for a number of years, and I do not believe the fundamental structure of the program infringes upon the constitutional rights of American citizens. As you know, mistakes and violations have occurred at the NSA have been reported. These violations were not allowed to continue—they were corrected. Furthermore, these mistakes and violations were egregious, unacceptable, and must never be tolerated from any government agency.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, my top priority is to protect and defend the Constitution and the rights of American citizens. I will continue to oppose all legislation and government programs that threaten Americans’ freedom and liberty.

Again, thank you for your input on this important topic. God bless.

Sincerely,

Tom A. Coburn, M.D.

United States Senator

TC: jw

Seems like a funny thing to claim that NSA violations were corrected. The president hasn't even acted on his commission's recommendations yet, we should hear about those in the coming weeks before his SOTU address where I'm guessing he will pivot to the mid-term strategy of income-inequality.

ProgressiveOkie Activist Action Alert - First of 2014

2014-01-09T03:09:00.001-08:00

Year end list of actions every Oklahoman can take part in. As alway if you have suggestions please feel free to contact us.

1. Petition to stop Republicans and Mary Fallin from blocking Obamacare (ACA). Sign the petition!

Tell Oklahoma Republicans: Stop blocking the Medicaid expansion

States not expanding Medicaid under Obamacare will be collectively lose more than $35 billion in federal funds in 2022 alone, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund.

2. Petitioning The Governor of OK

The State Of Oklahoma: Legalize The Use Of Medical Cannabis

In September, Oklahoma NORML obtained results from a poll of state voters showing that 71.2% want a medical marijuana program for seriously ill patients who qualify, and 63.7% prefer a simple ticket and fine — without criminal penalties — for adults who possess small amounts of marijuana. So far, state legislators have failed to realize just what their constituents want.

3. Pass the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 raises the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and provides the first increase to tipped employees in more than 20 years. It also indexes the minimum wage to the cost of living.

I'm keeping these a little shorter than normal this time. Upcoming alerts will keep with income inequality, marijuana law reform and other social justice issues. If you have an issue you'd like attention drawn to please contact me austinstumpff@gmail.com or on twitter @progressiveokie

Oh I almost forgot there is word of medical marijuana coming up for a committee vote so please call your Reps etc and just leave them a short message of your support for marijuana law reform.

Oklahoma Marijuana Law Reform- Drug Policy Reform Network Meeting in Tulsa

2014-01-09T03:01:00.000-08:00

From DPRN-Oklahoma:

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2pm - 4pm, the Drug Policy Reform Network will be meeting at the Gypsy Coffee House, 303 N. MLK Jr. Blvd. (303 N. Cincinnati Ave.), Tulsa, OK.

Everyone is invited to help us plan drug policy activism for 2014.

You don't have to be a member to help, but a $10/year membership is required to vote (see form below this message).

We will also be electing our new board members for 2014.

2014 is undeniably a turning point in the War on Drugs.

The marijuana reform victories around the country are validation of our progress.

Today all people twenty one years or older can use marijuana in Colorado! That even goes for visitors!

In 2012, Arkansas only missed becoming the first southern medical marijuana state by 2%. They are already organizing to vote again this coming November.

Recently, Illinois became the 20th medical marijuana state. A large portion of Illinois population is similar to Oklahoma's.

In contrast, the Oklahoma government has passed even harsher penalties. Regardless, the changes in other states are increasing support here.

This year, a Sooner Poll found over 70% of Oklahomans support medical marijuana and over 50% support total legalization.

We are the same as the rest of the country. If we work together the laws will change here too.

Drop by the Gypsy Coffee House Sat., Jan. 11, 2pm and let's come up with a plan to make it happen.

Our group does not have much money. Everyone is responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks.

All contributions and membership fees go to the expenses of drug policy reform (i.e. newsletter printing/mailing, event promotion, meeting room rentals, exhibit booth rentals, ballot initiative contributions, etc.)

Participation and volunteerism in our activities is the most important contribution of all. We encourage non member supporters to be involved with our projects too. We need your help!

Call 405-762-0882 or email howzkeepa@yahoo.com for more details.

Tom Coburn re: NSA Spying

2013-12-10T12:02:00.002-08:00

So here is the response I got from Coburn. I wrote about my concern of the illegal spying done by the NSA.Somehow I get a response about a study of "fusion centers". Read the response letter below .

Senator_Coburn@coburn.senate.gov
Dear ProgressiveOkie Thank you for your email regarding my report on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “fusion centers” and your recommendation to audit DHS fusion centers. It is good to hear from you, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in my response. As your email states, I recently released a two-year, bipartisan investigation that found that DHS efforts to engage state and local intelligence “fusion centers” has wasted taxpayer money, not yielded significant useful information to support federal counterterrorism intelligence efforts, and sometimes even endangered citizens’ civil liberties. This report only covers the federal government’s involvement in fusion centers, which are state and local entities. You can find this report here: http://1.usa.gov/PTGyi4. Although I cannot speak as to exactly what each fusion center is doing, there has been no evidence to support that the federal government is systematically illegally spying on American citizens. However, I understand your concern, based on the lack of judgment and oversight of these centers. Furthermore, I strongly question the federal funding these centers receive, which DHS estimates to be between $289 million and $1.4 billion since 2003—broad estimates that differ by more than $1 billion. I support your recommendation to audit DHS fusion centers. Granting funds for state and local fusion center efforts year after year, without expecting or even examining the results received from previous grants, provides no mechanism to ensure federal taxpayers receive a return on their investments. As your Senator and the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will continue to identify the wasteful, duplicative, and unnecessary spending at DHS and will continue to advocate for common-sense solutions to reduce our $17 trillion in national debt. Again, thank you for your email. God bless. Sincerely, December 9, 2013 Tom A. Coburn, M.D. United States Senator TC: jw

ProgressiveOkie News

2013-11-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma Rep. Jadine Nollan re: Medical Marijuana

2013-11-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

The following is an exchange I'd like to pass on. Please feel free to use my letter as an example of what you would write your representative. .. Now the response from Rep. Nollan isn't the worst I've seen it could be much better so feel free to write her to express your opinion.

Jadine Nollan

Sep 27

to me

Hi ProgressiveOkie,

Thank you for your thoughts regarding this subject. I will keep them under advisement.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jadine Nollan

Sent from my iPad

On Sep 26, 2013, at 3:41 PM,

>
> Sep 26, 2013
>
> Representative Jadine Nollan
> State Capitol Building, Room 329-A
> 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard
> Oklahoma City, OK 73105
>
> Dear Representative Nollan,
>
> A recent poll of voters in Oklahoma has shown that a clear majority
> supports a medical marijuana program for seriously ill patients who
> have the approval of a physician. Sen. Constance Johnson has introduced
> legislation that would establish a regulated program much like those of
> 20 other states and the District of Columbia. As your constituent, I am
> asking you to support her efforts on behalf of patients in our state.
>
> Some have argued that Marinol, a pharmaceutical medicine that contains
> only one of several active medicinal ingredients in marijuana, is an
> adequate substitute. Unfortunately though, many patients who benefit
> from medical marijuana would not benefit from Marinol because it lacks
> important active ingredients that have therapeutic effect for pain
> relief, seizure control, and other serious conditions. It is also
> difficult for nauseated patients to keep down and is more dangerous
> than natural marijuana, since it is pure, synthetic THC.
>
> Nearly three-quarters of Oklahomans want a medical marijuana program,
> and I hope you will take a stand to support the will of the voters.
> Patients who seek an alternative to narcotics should not be made into
> criminals for using a safer medication that for many patients is the
> only thing that works.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> ProgressiveOkie
AS

From the Desk of Jim Bridenstine regarding H.R. 1579 July 10, 2013 (Financial Transaction Tax)

2013-07-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

Jim Bridenstine
1st District, Oklahoma

216 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2211

July 10, 2013

Dear Mr. Stumpff,

Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 1579, the Inclusive Prosperity Act of 2013. I appreciate your opinion and value your input on this important issue. In recent weeks, I have heard from many constituents who have shared their thoughts with me about this bill. There have been many people who are opposed to such a bill, as well as many who support it.

This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the transfer of ownership in certain securities, impose a penalty on taxpayers who fail to include a covered transaction on their tax return, and provide an individual taxpayer whose income does not exceed $50,000 with a tax credit for the amount of tax paid on covered transactions. I respectfully disagree with this bill because I oppose any creation of new taxes at this time. On April 16, 2013, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, where it awaits a hearing and further legislative action.

Thank you again for writing and expressing your thoughts on this important issue. Please visit my website at http://bridenstine.house.gov to send me another message with your thoughts and opinions, read my positions on major issues, or sign up for my E-Newsletter. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the links below. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Sincerely,

Jim Bridenstine
U.S. House of Representatives

http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/1579

ProgressiveOkie's Oklahoma action alert #2

2013-07-16T16:56:00.001-07:00

Our second installment of ProgressiveOkie's action alert. Simple easy things you can do to create change in Oklahoma and out. If you're too busy to follow our twitter or facebook check our blog. Feel free to share this blog or any action alerts you'd like to support. Also feel free to contact us if there's an action or group you'd like to support.

First, If you are like me and enjoy your privacy, especially when it comes to online activity I suggest you go on over to www.eff.org

1. If the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) passes, a handful of mega-corporations will be big winners while millions of people in dozens of countries--and the environment--will lose big time. The TPP relies on the influx of the cheapest goods and services and the promotion of transnational corporate profits, regardless of costs to the environment, communities or human lives. This will affect food, fishing, agriculture, energy extraction, retail goods, banking -- literally all sectors of our lives.

Tell Congress to oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership

2. President Obama: Fracked Gas and Oil are not the Solution - Ban Fracking on Public Lands

3. Google's motto is "Don't Be Evil," but on July 11, Google is hosting a $250-$2500 per plate fundraiser for one of the worst climate deniers in the world: Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK). Google was also the biggest donor to the Competitive Enterprise Institute's recent annual dinner, giving $50,000 to this anti-science group.

Hey @Google: Don't support #climate deniers like @JimInhofe

4. Like social media? Try out Thunderclap.it . Thunderclap is a way to increase visibility of a cause or campaign. Donate a tweet or facebook status to support a cause. Stay tuned we will be creating our very own Thunderclaps soon.

5. Petition asking Olympic sponsors to pull support from anti-gay Russia

Also here are some memes to share....

oh yeah and dont forget....

If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear. - George Orwell

ProgressiveOkie vs. Reasors over GMO products.

2013-06-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

In our quest to gather information in order to get GMO foods off our grocery shelves. We decided contact our Reasors store we often visit. As a large player in the Tulsa market Reasors has been increasing the space they give to organic and natural products. From produce to body care. We think this is great. So after hearing about Wholefoods commitment to labeling GMOs by 2018.(way too far off but a good PR gesture anyhow) We decided to write to them the following:

"Recently, Whole Foods announced that their American and Canadian stores would phase in mandatory GMO labelling by 2018.

If Reasors, were to follow Whole Foods' lead, and enforce mandatory labelling of GMO food products through all their food store chains, it would allow your customers actually make a choice as to whether they want to buy GMO foods or not. While this isn't a replacement for mandatory labelling laws, it would be a major step towards giving more Oklahomans choice."

Co Manager Fresh, Mick Grillot, replied first by phone and left a very pleasant message and followed up with this email:

" Thank you for your inquiry about GMO labeling. I tried to contact you earlier today and left you a message. I am following up now to make sure you received the information I wanted to convey to you. At this point in time we are still researching all options. Our marketing department has spent some time looking at www.nongmoproject.org

website. It lists over 7000 items as non gmo and many natural and organic suppliers are starting to labels their products as such. The USDA is still neutral on this issue. We are aware that Whole Foods said they will label their products by 2018. We also believe different programs like Nuval may come out with labeling as well. We as a company will continue to monitor this and will do what is in the best interest of our customers. Again, thank you for your interest in non gmo products and your inquiry. If I may be of more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mick Grillot
Co Manager Fresh
Reasor's 19
2429 E. 15th St.
Tulsa, OK.
918-748-8332
comgfresh19@reasors.com

We were pleased with the quick response. We still think Wholefoods are dragging their feet on the labeling issue, it very simply could be done faster. That said considering Reasors buying power I'm not too sure what more they could do. We would like to see them join the non-gmo project. We would also like to see them add more organic non-gmo products to their line of offerings. Until we have universal labeling of GMOs we urge you all to stay up to date on what you are eating. Support Organic farmers and those making a pledge to no-gmo!!

ProgressiveOkie Action Alert! #1

2013-06-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

The first in what will be an ongoing tradition on ProgressiveOkie, a current list of actions you can take to move Oklahoma in a progressiveOkie path. Will include but not limited to petitions, protest news, calls to action, boycotts, buycotts etc. Feel free to comment or join the discussion on Facebook or twitter.

**Clickable links ahead

Petition for Oklahoma to Accept Federal Funding to Expand Medicaid ...

The Marijuana Majority's Mayors Initiative - ask your mayor to join in.

Like us on Facebook and Twitter

share this meme...

A QUOTE YOU SHOULD NOTE:

“Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke. They stand four-square for the American home–but not for housing. They are strong for labor–but they are stronger for restricting labor’s rights. They favor minimum wage–the smaller the minimum wage the better. They endorse educational opportunity for all–but they won’t spend money for teachers or for schools. They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine–for people who can afford them. They consider electrical power a great blessing–but only when the private power companies get their rake-off. They think American standard of living is a fine thing–so long as it doesn’t spread to all the people. And they admire of Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.”
~Harry S. Truman

Liberal Lump

2013-01-30T13:31:00.004-08:00

Oklahoma State Senator Constance Johnson introduced 3 Marijuana bills in 2013

2013-01-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sen. Constance Johnson, who made headlines recently when she fought to get a hearing for medical marijuana in the Oklahoma Legislature, has filed legislation that calls upon the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to establish a medical marijuana program in the Sooner State. Separately, she is also sponsoring legislation that would reduce the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Sen. Johnson’s medical marijuana bill, SB 902, is short and to the point. Rather than spelling out all the details in the legislation, the bill simply directs the medical board to develop and adopt rules allowing patients to obtain permission from their doctors to use marijuana and to establish fees for the “licensing, production, distribution, and consumption” of medical marijuana.

Johnson’s other bill, SB 914, would lessen the penalty for possession of 1.5 ounces or less from a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 to a maximum of 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $200.
We spend too much on wasteful laws aimed at non-violent other wise safe people.
Let us start the conversation with the support of these bills.

A third bill has been introduced by Sen. Johnson, Senate Bill 710 would allow qualifying patients to use cannabis with a physician's recommendation. Patients would be permitted to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to twelve marijuana plants. SB 710 would also allow the state to license marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers.

If you're reading this and wonder what you can do to get the ball moving id urge you to speak out to our Oklahoma lawmakers and tell them you'd like a conversation on Marijuana law reform.

Here's a link to my petition on change.org for SB 902 and SB 914...check back for an update and new

petition for SB 710.

Another national group working in Oklahoma is the Marijuana Policy Project or MPP

I would urge you to check out NORML and this link

***update*** Signon.org is a great platform from moveon.org here's a link to my petition there for Support of Constance Johnson's Marijuana law reform.

Fiscal Cliff or...

2012-12-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Austin Stumpff Daily

2012-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Progressive Heroes grown here

2012-12-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Right To Work for Lower Wages

2012-12-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

ProgressiveOkie on Paper.li

2012-12-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Save Social Security Meme

2012-10-24T01:05:00.004-07:00

http://www.ncpssm.org/

Gone to the Big Bird

2012-10-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

Last night's debate was horrible. We saw a new debate format die before our eyes. Romney was crowned the winner by 'flash' polls even before anyone decided to factcheck (as if this is something that reporters and the media shouldn't have the responsibility to do). ...

I walked away from this debate with really only a few points.
-it seemed tonight Romney was playing to the moderates and given how many other sides he's played to over the last 18months, and the many more of the last few years ..the pro Obama people should have plenty on Romney to make some pretty damaging adverts.
-Romney not only hates public funding of the arts and education, he also wants to fire Big Bird.

I am the 47%
-Lastly, as safe as Obama played it tonight, and considering Romney didn't have any real "Zingers". This is still a very close election, it's probably good the media won't check into the ~~facts~~ in Mitt's 'plan'. At least now this complacency crap on the side of Obama's supporters is over...we hope!

Advertise products