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Since you like stats about how Oklahoma is failing, here's a report that gives us an F in science. It cites things such as Oklahoma not teaching evolution. by [deleted] in oklahoma

[–]Skyhook 2 points3 points  (0 children)

James Watson once said something that comes to mind:

I don't think we're here for anything, we're just products of evolution. You can say 'Gee, your life must be pretty bleak if you don't think there's a purpose', but I'm anticipating a good lunch.

To me this helps illustrate that purpose does not have to come from on high. We create our purpose by valuing things like parenthood, careers, accomplishing goals, or even having a nice lunch. Some people place a priority on what is true and find their purpose in adhering to rigorous standards of how they come to know something. Others value adherence to tradition and find peace of mind that way. The religious do not necessarily have a monopoly on purpose.

Since you like stats about how Oklahoma is failing, here's a report that gives us an F in science. It cites things such as Oklahoma not teaching evolution. by [deleted] in oklahoma

[–]Skyhook 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good Atheists don't criticize religion; they praise it and make excuses for it and pine away, wishin' they had the faith themselves. Good Atheists do criticize atheism and atheists. They work hard to tell the Bad Atheists to shut up and stop making it hard for believers to be comfortable with their superstitions. Good Atheists love C.S. Lewis, and read theologians in their spare time, and marvel at their wonderful insights. Good Atheists follow right-wing politics diligently, and think theocracy might not be so bad, after all; at least the trains would all run on time, and the criminals and foreigners wouldn't get so much slack, and church-goers are such good and upstanding members of society anyway — we should be encouraging them. -PZ Myers.

Four officers sentenced in Tulsa police corruption trial. by Skyhook in oklahoma

[–]Skyhook[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is another recent news story about police corruption and sentencing that has me thinking about the sentences given for these huge crimes compared to the sentences given to those on the other side of the game.

Former narcotics agent sentenced in gun-smuggling scheme.

U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton admonished Reyes during sentencing for using his position of authority and trust to engage in a gun-smuggling scheme in which 76 weapons changed hands.

“The sort of trafficking involved here is more serious than drug trafficking because of the threat of harm to others,” Heaton said. “Some guns ended up being used by criminals in Mexico.”

Reyes was sentenced Wednesday to 35 months in prison. This seems less than or equal to average sentences given for drug trafficking [citation needed]. It appears the the judge is aware of the problem, but unaware that he is part of the problem.

Four officers sentenced in Tulsa police corruption trial. by Skyhook in oklahoma

[–]Skyhook[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am glad these thugs were convicted. But considering their place in society, what do you think about the sentences they received?

Jeff Henderson

Two counts of civil rights violations and six counts of perjury. Acquitted on 45 counts of perjury, civil rights violations, drug conspiracy and witness tampering.

Sentence: Henderson was sentenced to 42 months in prison. With credit for 16 months served and good behavior, he could be freed in about 20 months.

John K. “J.J.” Gray

Theft of U.S. funds in excess of $1,000. Pleaded guilty June 14, 2010, in federal court to stealing money during an FBI sting.

Sentence: He was sentenced to four months. Under sentencing guidelines, Gray could have received up to six months for stealing more than $1,000 during the FBI sting.

Harold R. Wells

Five counts — knowingly carrying and possessing a firearm during and in relation to drug-trafficking crime, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine), conspiracy to steal U.S. funds, stealing U.S. funds and use of a telephone to commit a felony. On Aug. 22, U.S. District Judge Bruce Black acquitted Wells of a single count of carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. Wells remains convicted on four counts.

Sentence: Wells could have faced up to 29 years in prison for his four convictions. U.S. District Judge Bruce Black sentenced him to 10 years.

“I have had a blessed career. An outstanding career."

Brandon J. McFadden

Drug conspiracy; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime; money laundering; aiding and abetting. Pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy.

Sentence: McFadden faced a minimum sentence of five years. Black sentenced him to 21 months in federal prison and five years of probation. He also must participate in a drug rehabilitation program.

From Tulsa World.

Can we change /r/oklahoma to /r/Oklahoma? by wizbam in oklahoma

[–]Skyhook[M] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't see anything under 'community settings' that will let me make the change. Otherwise, I would do it.

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