I’m vaccinated and you should be too

We’ve all been busy this summer and we’re all enjoying the freedom from COVID but there’s one thing Oklahoma needs you to not forget: Get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines – whether it’s Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson – are safe, effective, and free.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is the 211th day of 2021 and the 41st day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY In 1619, America’s first legislative assembly met in Jamestown, Va. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a resolution establishing “In God We Trust” as the national motto of the United States.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is the 205th day of 2021 and the 35th day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1847, Brigham Young and the first Mormon pioneers arrived at Utah’s Salt Lake Valley. In 1866, Tennessee became the first Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union following the Civil War.

CLINTON’S HISTORY 10, 20 AND 30 YEARS AGO

30 YEARS AGO Arapaho Girl Scouts were shown readying to leave for camp at Granite included Lakresha Guthrie, Sabrina Ousley, Kyla James, Cassie Jones, and Jerusha Fawver. Also going but not pictured was Tiffany Weems.

The cost of government efficiency

The Oklahoma Transportation Department is considering ways to be more efficient in the future. To do that some things may have to change – including in Clinton. As always, we like it when government at any level looks for ways to become more efficient.

To get the vaccine or not – What would Jesus do?

In the Holy Bible in the Book of Matthew, Jesus is asked: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" He answers: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Slower, more expensive mail in store for U.S.

The United States Postal Service is good to go on its plan to slow down the mail and implement aggressive price increases, according to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in a pair of decisions handed down this week.

Trust begins with openness

Many government agencies – including some right here in Clinton – appear to be looking for ways to do the public’s business behind closed doors instead of in an open meeting for all to hear and see.

Working to better understand state programs

While we aren’t in legislative session, work is still ongoing throughout the interim. One of the main areas we turn our focus to is interim studies, which are in-depth reviews of specific topics requested by legislators that may become policy bills during the next session.

Republicans, Democrats and the COVID vaccine

More Republicans than Democrats appear to be "vaccine hesitant" – that is, reluctant for one reason or another – to take the COVID-19 vaccine. They've gotten the treatment you might expect in some quarters of the press. "Right-wing anti-vaccine hysteria is increasing.