The Durant Daily Democrat

Alleged assault points up dangers of OEA/NEA ‘gender-neutral’ bathroom push

An 18-year-old student at Rhinelander High School was recently arrested for child enticement, fourth-degree sexual assault, and exposing genitals to a child. The alleged incident occurred in the … more

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 3/19/20 12:00 PM

Don't get caught in the riptide of silliness and fear

My oldest son looked crestfallen, not an expression I am used to using but in this context it fits. My family and I were sitting in a restaurant watching the list of sporting events and public … more

by Michael Clements
michael@durantdemocrat.com | 3/18/20 04:26 PM

Let’s Have ‘The Talk’

As parents, we dread having to have “The Talk” with our kids once they reach that age. How about having “The Talk” with your parents once they reach a certain age. What is … more

3/12/20 02:39 PM

Capitol update for District 19

The Legislature finished hearing House bills in committees and have begun hearing legislation that passed out of committees on the House floor. There have been some very interesting bills that have … more

By Rep. Justin Humphrey | 3/12/20 12:35 PM

As the industry changes, so does the Democrat

In case you missed our announcement in Wednesday’s paper, the Democrat will become a weekly newspaper starting Thursday, March 5. It will publish each Thursday. I know many people are … more

2/29/20 12:00 PM

‘At will’ worker measure advances

All new state government workers would be made “at will” employees under legislation that has advanced from a House committee, marking movement on a reform endorsed by Gov. Kevin … more

By Ray Carter
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 2/29/20 12:00 PM

Don’t save - Invest!

Gov. Kevin Stitt released his executive budget proposal for the budget year that begins July 1. The Governor’s appetite for spending is limited. Rather than using the available revenue he … more

By Paul Shinn
OkPolicy.org | 2/29/20 12:00 PM

Early voting is today, primary is Tuesday

Early voting for the March 3 Presidential Primary election will continue today at the County Election Board office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bryan County Election Board Secretary Kimberly Norris said … more

Bryan County Election Board | 2/27/20 12:41 PM

Prayer breakfast provides way to find answers

This week Gov. Kevin Stitt held his inaugural Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. Like most such gatherings this event featured scrambled eggs, coffee, inspirational messages and, of course, prayer. … more

2/22/20 12:00 PM

The immorality of ‘free’ federal money

Oklahoma must expand welfare in order to get more federal dollars—this a common argument for the Obamacare Medicaid expansion. It makes sense, unless you have all the facts. The truth is that … more

By Trent England
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 2/22/20 12:00 PM

Letter to the Editor

Open reply to Senator James Lankford: Previously, I pleaded with you to hold Trump accountable for crimes he now admits, now that the impeachment “trial” is over. Your response letter … more

2/22/20 12:00 PM

New brand cheapens Oklahoma’s historic culture

Earlier this month, our governor and lieutenant governor proudly unveiled Oklahoma’s new “brand” and logo. The new brand is a colorful circle of chevrons forming a white star in the … more

By Mary Maurer | 2/22/20 12:00 PM

Reaction lampoons First Amendment

I spent much of high school hiding copies of National Lampoon magazine from my parents. And not just because of the topless women. For a Baptist teenager, National Lampoon was a deliciously decadent … more

By Michael Clements
michael@durantdemocrat.com | 2/22/20 12:00 PM

Voters should reject sales tax extension

This Tuesday, Durant voters will be asked to approve a 20-year extension of the one-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax. Voters should reject the request until city officials present a plan for how … more

2/7/20 07:00 PM

It’s past time to support our retired public servants

Retired Oklahoma state and local public servants have now gone 10 years without a cost of living adjustment, while inflation has eaten away at their income. For decades they taught our children, kept … more

By Paul Shinn
OkPolicy.org | 2/7/20 07:00 PM

Study bolsters Stitt’s call for workforce reform

In his State of the State speech this week, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he wants to gradually make all positions in state government “at will” jobs, much like those at most private-sector … more

By Ray Carter
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 2/7/20 07:00 PM

Oklahoma’s community colleges important to health care

“Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best thing.” — Anonymous Patient Oklahoma’s community colleges play a vital role in the delivery of health care services to … more

By Gary Davidson | 2/7/20 06:00 PM

Report highlights partisanship of Oklahoma professors

According to popular stereotype, college professors are overwhelmingly liberal Democrats. New research shows that cliché is grounded in reality, including at several major Oklahoma … more

By Ray Carter
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs | 2/1/20 06:00 PM

It’s time to re-examine the Youthful Offender Act

The Office of Juvenile Affairs leadership has announced plans to push through amendments to Youthful Offender Act (YOA) in the upcoming session. The YOA, originally passed in 1994, is the product of … more

By Steve Lewis
OkPolicy.org | 2/1/20 05:00 PM

It made no sense, until now

What could entice Evangelical Christians to give up layer after layer of their principles to support Donald Trump? I grew up Southern Baptist in Durant, OK, in the ’50s and ‘60s and this … more

By Jane Hicks | 2/1/20 04:00 PM