Opinions

It’s said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results.” This describes the failures in reading proficiency by Oklahoma students, despite billions of dollars of increased spending on public education in Oklahoma.

Recapping last week, we began investigating the early oral tradition (kerygma) that Paul captured on papyrus in his first letter to the Corinthian church; chapter 15, verses 3-7. We know these particular verses (Credo) of Paul contain several telltale signs that oral tradition is being relayed.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 DEAR ABBY: Eight years ago, my wife’s nephew needed a car. His parents had poor credit at that time. I took him to a car dealer, where he found a car, and I didn’t hesitate to cosign the loan. He paid the loan off on time.

DEAR ABBY: My 25-year-old niece is getting married in four months. Five years ago, she lost her father in a tragic accident while her parents were on vacation. Since that time, she has come out as gay and grown closer to me than to her mom (my sister).

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to my husband for 30 years. For the past five years, I’ve noticed that he is acting a little different. He’s lost a lot of weight. I found out he’s been smoking drugs. He had this problem years ago, and I thought we had it beat.

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have not had sex for the last four years. I’m not a perfect husband. I have made my share of mistakes -- not always telling the truth, texting other women -- and she has her share of imperfections as well. She has hit me on more than one occasion.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025 DEAR ABBY: I am a healthy older woman living alone in a building for seniors. I’ve known some of my neighbors most of my life. I consider us like a family. My problem is, my 49-year-old daughter, “Jasmine,” has been a pill addict for the last 20 years.

I decided to make chili the other day. Thought it would be perfect in this cold weather. I make my chili according to an old family recipe my greatgrandpa Byron “BA” Hanks left the family. Mom taught it to me. She described how Papa chopped the onions and garlic, and added ¾ cup of warm water.

Recently sidelined, I know how a hobbled old milk cow looks at life, or what a horse tethered to the fence feels. Imprisoned, caged, confined. Stuck in one place with absolutely no say in the matter. And it is not fun.

Walking the grounds scattered with large water fountains and huge statues, I sensed the horrible power of the royalty. In the main palace, the power seemed to ooze from the pompous royal face of Louis XIV, sneering down at me from Rigaud’s gigantic portrait.