Andrew Cook

Throughout the last five years of political squabble, I have complained that the two sides of any given debate are unable to sit down and debate legislation on its merits rather than ideological appeal. READ MORE

Since last year, State Farm has aired commercials highlighting the lengths to which Americans will go to save money. READ MORE

The debate over Wisconsin public employees’ rights reflects two recurrent themes heard throughout the current economic crisis; America is broke and someone or something is to blame.  READ MORE

Following last month’s controversial state Board of Education meeting, I was less shocked by the Republicans’ actions than the Democrats’ response.  READ MORE

Even before Oklahoma’s Legislature was sworn in for a new term, the controversy over teaching evolution in public schools reared its ugly head. In a December article in The Durant Daily Democrat, newly elected Republican State Sen. Josh Brecheen vowed to introduce legislation that brings parity to the debate. He believes that the “religion” of evolution receives preferential treatment in comparison to the idea that a “loving God” created the universe. READ MORE

After November’s onslaught of abortion debates, accompanied by giant billboards of aborted fetuses, I thought it would be at least a month before billboards ruined my day. Unfortunately, this is America, land of apple pie, baseball and pointless arguments. Shame on me for thinking I could avoid them. READ MORE

On Nov. 1, the U.S. District Court began hearing testimony in the case of Brian David Mitchell. The federal government accuses Mitchell of kidnapping 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002, and illegally transporting her across state lines. READ MORE

In politics, parties are a necessary evil. There, I said it; it’s out in the open. I make this assertion in response to Patrick O’Bryan’s Monday article, “Meaningful votes require an informed citizenry,” which discussed the need for an informed electorate. READ MORE

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s imperative that we evaluate the worth of each government expense. I believe the death penalty is a good place to start, because by the time you finish studying tonight, Oklahoma will execute Donald Wackerly. READ MORE

Recently, an Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration convened to discuss the authorization of genetically engineered salmon. If passed, this will mark a milestone as the first genetically engineered animal approved for human consumption. The new salmon, named AquaAdvantage and produced by Massachusetts firm AquaBountiful, will be a hybrid of Atlantic salmon, Chinook Pacific salmon and Ocean Pout, an eel like fish with the ability to live in cold waters. READ MORE