Weekly Columns
Since 1984, Iran has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of terrorism around the world. Without question, this designation has set a precedent in our relationship with Iran, causing distrust and caution in our dealings with the country. In fact, last year was the first time since 1979 that direct communication between the U.S. and Iranian heads of government even took place, when President Barack Obama reached out to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with a phone call.
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this week, we are reminded about the many things for which we are grateful as individuals, as families, as friends, as communities and as a nation. On Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, we pause with grateful hearts, reflect upon our blessings and share them with one another.
On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the union. Our existence as a part of this great nation spans over a century, and our heritage is rich. Indeed, we are proud to call Oklahoma our home.
As we celebrate the anniversary of our statehood this month, we are reminded that our nation is an ideological mosaic comprised of a variety of opinions and beliefs. While we are united in our identity as Americans, we are also a collection of individual states with understandable pride in our regional heritages, opinions and values.
Throughout the history of the American military, hundreds of thousands of men and women have volunteered to serve a cause greater than themselves. By taking an oath to defend our borders, preserve our values and ensure our freedom, these brave individuals understand the true price of freedom. Without question, they deserve our utmost appreciation both during and after their selfless service to our nation.
At an early age, my mother taught me about the importance of my Native American heritage, and I have carried that with me throughout my life with a great sense of pride. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, I am pleased that November marks a special time to nationally recognize the significant contributions, achievements and history of all tribes. There is certainly a lot to celebrate this month.
When our Founders dreamed of what our nation could be and built the framework for democracy to succeed, their aim was not only to protect the rights of citizens, but to also encourage nationwide participation in government. While some Americans have answered that call by selflessly volunteering to serve in the military, representing their communities in public office or contributing in other ways to public service, we all possess the unique opportunity to participate in government when we vote.
More than 238 years ago, brave Americans understood the value of a democracy marked by unique freedoms and liberties for its people. Less than a hundred years later in the midst of a civil war that threatened to dissolve the Union, President Abraham Lincoln again inspired our nation to preserve government “of the people, for the people and by the people.” And we did.
Over the last several months, we have all kept a close watch over the alarming outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Primarily impacting the countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, our concern is certainly shared with those who have lost loved ones to this disease. As Americans, our first inclination in the midst of suffering is to lend a helping hand and prevent a situation from growing from bad to worse.
As details continue to unfold about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), we remain united in the belief that this terrorist group cannot be allowed to further expand or establish an Islamic caliphate. ISIL represents a clear and present danger to the safety and security of the United States. Knowing the violence of which this group is capable, including the brutal murders of two American journalists, the United States and our Allies understand that we must combat this enemy urgently and with resolve.