Letters on dad charged after hazing scandal, supporting U.S. military, the OKC arena vote

State statute that led to arrest probably unknown by vast majority

District Attorney Mike Fields charging the parent of the boy who was hazed solely for failure to report this activity under an obscure statute is simply ridiculous. As a retired attorney who practiced for 40 years, I can state that I was certainly unaware of this statute. I suspect that the vast majority of Oklahoma citizens are equally unaware. As your article points out, this was designed to apply to doctors who were presented with abused children as patients. If this represents the level of critical thinking of DA Fields, I would be unable to support him should he run for the office of attorney general.

— William A. Robinson, Oklahoma City

Remarks show 'crack in the dam'?

I was surprised (and pleasantly so) to see a Republican member of the House say he wouldn’t vote for a speaker who didn’t say Joseph Biden won the election, fair and square. A crack in the dam …

— Kent A Mauk, Oklahoma City

Public plays critical role in supporting military forces

At a recent community event hosted by Lt. Gen. Stacey T. Hawkins, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, members of the U.S. Air Force Civic Leadership Program, along with other community leaders were reminded of the critical role we play in supporting the nation's military forces during these challenging times.

Hawkins, a distinguished figure in the military, addressed the attendees, highlighting the current global challenges and emphasizing the growing importance of citizen support for the Armed Forces. He stressed that now, more than ever, the military requires unwavering support from the American public.

Hawkins underscored the multifaceted ways in which citizens can contribute to this support, ranging from engaging with their U.S. congressmen to voice their opinions and concerns, to advocating for the allocation of a budget for the U.S. Department of Defense. The budget, as he pointed out, is crucial for ensuring that the military remains well-equipped and prepared to meet the nation's security needs.

Additionally, Hawkins encouraged attendees to show their support for the men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the country. Their sacrifices and commitment deserve recognition and appreciation from all citizens.

In conclusion, Hawkins' event served as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility of U.S. citizens to actively participate in securing the nation and supporting the Armed Forces in these uncertain times. As a member of the U.S. Air Force Civic Leadership Program, I left the evening with a renewed sense of duty and a commitment to play my part in safeguarding the nation's security by being an engaged citizen.

— Mary Blankenship Pointer, Oklahoma City

How waiting on hold for help led to decision about the proposed arena

Six minutes and 11 seconds. Six minutes and 11 seconds was all it took to convince me to vote against the upcoming Thunder stadium ballot measure in December. I was traveling recently on Hefner Parkway when I encountered a flat-bed trailer with a low tire. I called 911 to report it because I thought that it presented a danger to other motorists on the road. Much to my chagrin, I encountered a hold message telling me that all operators were busy. For the next 6 minutes and 11 seconds I was on hold waiting for assistance. When answered, I fervently tried to explain to the operator what had happened, but she informed me that it was now the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's problem.

Before hanging up, I expressed my displeasure with the wait and was told, “Sorry, we’re busy.” I’m originally from Prague and grew up in the country. I’ve grown used to not being able to get quick assistance from local authorities. When car accidents happened, you hoped the Highway Patrol could get there within 1 to 2 hours. I’m writing you to implore OKC voters to consider joining me in voting NO on Dec. 12. The “big league city” label comes with “big league city” problems. I don’t want to live in an OKC where we sacrifice our public works and infrastructure at the mantle of the Thunder team.

I ask your readers why is it that when it comes to human interests and other public needs, we have to pass a bond measure or wait upwards of 10 years for them to become a reality so that we can avoid paying interest on borrowed funds, but when it comes to the new Thunder stadium, Mayor David Holt and the city council are more than happy to pay interest on a line of credit.

I will remind your readers that the current federal interest rate that is set by the Federal Reserve sits at 5.5%. Using the back of an envelope, 5.5% of the quoted minimum cost of the Thunder stadium of $900 million is $49,500,000. If my math holds, the OKC taxpayers will be paying that interest on top of the $900 million forecasted. Are we, as the residents of this great city, willing to pay that while we wait for the “economic returns” of the proposed stadium? I know I’m not, nor am I willing to set on hold, waiting for 911 to pick up when I need emergency assistance. I hope your readers will join me in preventing a future of strained public resources and save their vote for future MAPs or public interest elections. If we want to invest in our future, let’s invest in our present so our future is built on a stable foundation without needs being unaddressed.

— Davod Nematpour, Oklahoma City

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on charge in hazing scandal, supporting US military, arena vote