This is my personal observation and emotional reaction to the 2009 Veteran’s Day Parade in Tulsa.

I attended four of the many meetings held by the parade committee (which had about 100 people). To participate with such a gathering of patriots, men and women, was an eye opener. These meetings drew members from the police, fire, mayor’s office and some media. These folks all worked hard to make a successful Veteran’s Day celebration. All deserve more than we can give them. God bless you all.

I never realized what an honor it was for me to be the grand marshal. My awakening began right at the beginning of the line up for the start. People would approach the Jeep and say things like, “What an honor it is to talk to you.” Wow. It made me want to cry.

Right away it struck me – this is for all the guys who gave everything for our country, especially those who never made it home (some of them were with me).

I wondered if I would be able to stand up and hold onto the windshield all the way. Receiving such recognition at the start, I no longer had any doubt about doing so.

The school children along the way really made one know that we still are the greatest country on Earth. I was able to point them out all along the way. Their teachers with them let us know they are with us always, keeping our youngsters aware of what freedom is all about.

Thanks to the VFW 577 and Legion Post No. 1 for the meals they served and the comraderie they showed to each one.

Paul J. Andert, Tulsa

Ethics Commission

For almost 100 years, the State of Oklahoma did just fine without a State Ethics Commission.

Then, the holier-than-thou crowd created one to tattletale on legislators. Now, the state is broke so let’s save some dough.

The Ethics Commission is a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money.

Let’s quit trying to change human nature by establishing a no-gifts-list at the State Capitol.

It wouldn’t be worth the paper it is written on because votes of legislators can be bought by lobbyists in creative ways that even the FBI could not detect.

For example, liquor and cash cannot be traced.

The Ethics Commission acted like kindergarten cops by passing a limit lobbyists can spend on elected officials at $100 a calendar year. That’s a couple of drinks and dinner at a high-toned restaurant. The voters, the press and district attorneys are the best watchdogs for sinners who sell their offices or buy others.

An old rule of legislating is a good one – if you can’t drink their liquor and accept the company of their naughty ladies, and then vote against them, you are not worth much as a politician.

Virginia Blue Jeans Jenner, Wagoner

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 and is filed under Letters to the Editor.