Adelson responds to the Oklahoman

March 4th Editorial “Tulsa senator's charades tar his political party”

I looked up “Adelson, Tom” in the dictionary and I found under synonyms “the Oklahoman.” It’s the 2011 Webster’s version.

If you go to earlier dictionaries, say around 2001, you find this:

“…we were encouraged upon hearing State House Republican leader Fred Morgan speak of eliminating the [state] income tax in broader term.” Oklahoman, June 27, 2001.

“[E]limination of the personal income tax would entice well-paid executives to Oklahoma who would bring jobs with them.” Oklahoman, June 27, 2001

“Tax reform that includes lowering or eliminating the personal income tax is crucial.” Oklahoman, June 12, 2002.

(See also Oklahoman, Aug 18, 2002).

(See also Oklahoman Jan 31, 2004).

The Oklahoman suggests the citizens of Oklahoma pay for the elimination of the personal income tax with a dramatic reduction in state government. Oklahoman, Aug 18, 2002.

“It’s not axiomatic that cutting one tax necessitates raising another.” Oklahoman, March 28, 2001.

The Oklahoman also favors an increase in sales taxes to pay for the elimination of personal income taxes. Oklahoman, June 12, 2002.

That was then. Apparently, there are new economic experts at the editorial helm. At least, that’s what I gather from their polite words of concern in last weekend’s criticism of my proposal to end state income taxes.

I was hoping my friends at the Oklahoman would criticize the 30 Senate Republicans who voted in favor of this policy but I forgot that, in the little inky eyes of the Oklahoman editorial board, Senate Republicans cannot be expected to behave responsibly.

That must be why under the word “courage” Webster’s does not mention “the Oklahoman.”