Oklahoma Iceland
Like I mentioned in this post, I’m from Oklahoma, where you’re more likely to get ice than snow. If you live anywhere in North America, since I’m in Canada and have, you’ve likely seen on the news that I wasn’t lying about that. If the name wasn’t already taken, Oklahoma would be better known for the moment as Iceland.
Oklahoma governor Brad Henry has declared a statewide state of emergency and President Bush has declared the state a federal disaster area in wake of the severe storms that covered much of the state in ice. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses are without electric from ice covered trees buckling under the weight of the ice. All in all, it appears almost like an arctic war zone.
All the coverage on the national news here in Canada seemed to concentrate mainly on the Oklahoma City area, so I gave my mom a call to see how Northeastern Oklahoma made out. They are in the same boat. She had been without electricity since 5:30am on Sunday, and said reports were that it may be up to ten days before it came back on. While I was on the phone with her, limbs were breaking and trees were falling after valiant fights against the ice.
She told me that if not for the devastation, it’s actually quite pretty, which I know is true in those cases. She also told me about when it was storming on Sunday night, with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, that the sky was lit up with eerie blue bolts of lightning. It had to be a strange sight, and it was one that inspired the writer in me.
So, to all those in the state of Oklahoma, and anywhere else that fell in the storms path, my thoughts and best wishes are with you. To all those hunters who find themselves not getting to hunt, stay inside, take care of your families and loved ones, and lay plans for that big buck that’s eluded you so far for when the situation gets better there.
hunting, hunting sense, Oklahoma, ice storm, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Northeastern Oklahoma
December 11th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
It is incredible what an ice storm can do. I wish all you in those states the best of luck. And be CAREFUL!!
December 11th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Cliff,
Hope your family and all those around them stay warm and well. We had one here in Michigan a few years back that kept us without power/heat for four days.
We stuck it out at home, and lived in front of the fireplace for a few days but in OK, most aren’t as prepared to deal with long bouts without heat.
December 11th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Thank you. Luckily they don’t rely on electricity for heat, and their propane tank is full. I think boredom and lack of hunting will get to them the most.
December 11th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I can’t imagine how Oklahoma is dealing with the ice, since they don’t get it that often. It is pretty, but sure can be dangerous.
I hope everyone in Oklahoma stays safe.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:44 am
HB 1332:
IF this passes you wont be able to train or use a hunting dog in Oklahoma and
any law officer can search your home at any time.
Your property rights are under assualt.
Call your rep now and tell him/her to vote no on HB 1332 if you care about your rights.
Pending legislation that will require that anyone who is a
breeder, person, firm, corporation or other association that qualifies and
is certified as a breeder, dealer, animal rescue, out-of-state
dealer/breeder, shelter, or retail pet store that sells, gives away, or
transfers a cumulative total of twenty-five or more animals of any age in
any one (1) calendar to be subject to licensure and inspections which mirror
USDA standards. This legislation contains the following:
. Includes all animal rescue organizations that utilize foster homes
if they transfer more than 25 animals per calendar year and excludes all
shelters.
. Stipulates that out of state breeders cannot transport in OK
without a state license. Under the substitute bill provisions allow the
exclusion of those that participate in only in dog shows and field trials.
This leaves many who travel into Oklahoma for other dog related events.
This statement that was inserted to appease Oklahoma’s Dog Clubs and now
excludes many other dog sports and activities such as training sessions,
informal matches, hunting activities and public awareness events which are
not classified as a dog show or field event.
. Calls for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to develop and
implement regulations pertaining to this bill. There is nothing that
requires representation from stakeholders or public input. Administrative
rules provide for notice to the public but does not require for stakeholder
participation in the development of the actual regulations. Experts and
responsible breeders should be consulted in the development and
implementation of such a complicated process. This should be put into the
legislation to ensure that participation of stakeholders is guaranteed.
. The bill will duplicate federal regulations and laws already in
place. It would be more beneficial and fiscally responsible to build
legislation to support the federal agency and enforce laws already in place
not duplicate efforts.
. The bill proposes to assess fees and fines as the revenue source to
implement and sustain the activities of this law. Even if these were
assessed on the questionable estimation given as to the number of breeders
in the state the funding would still not meet the estimated $500,000 to
develop this new program. The state bares the fiscal responsibility to
ensure that funds are available. The state’s fundraising methods are to
impose higher taxes. With the expected shortfall in state revenue and the
threat of cutting services to Oklahomans this is not the time to impose
additional tax burden on Oklahoma’s individuals and families
. The provisions regarding warrantless search and seizure by
enforcement personnel are clearly unconstitutional. The following is a
direct quote from the text of the bill: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture,
Food and Forestry personnel and agents shall have the right to enter the
premises of an individual or facility and conduct inspections. Supporters
of this bill state this pertains to licensees and/or applicants however the
language of this bill does not define an “individual”. It appears that this
leaves the door open for those that do not qualify to be subjected to
unwarranted searches and seizures. The legislation should state
specifically that inspections/searches pertain to only those that are
applicants and/or licensees.
. Penalties include liens against the licensee’s personal property
for failure to meet fines. While understandable that the state would want
to recoup fines, it seems vindictive to attach liens to personal property.
. Responsible breeders follow ethics guidelines and existing federal
laws. The provisions of HB 1332 will force substandard breeders to burrow
further underground making identification and enforcement impossible.
. There are no incentives for those that follow ethical guidelines
established by Parent Breed Clubs, obtain health and genetic testing to
ensure consumers have healthy quality family pets.
. The bill does not list an element for consumer protection and
attaches all the responsibility to breeders. There is nothing that
encourages consumers to purchase from responsible sources and provides
education in finding healthy pets.
Summary: HB 1332 continues to impose punitive measures that duplicate
federal efforts. This bill will have a negative impact on responsible
breeders with valid USDA licenses, those that visit our state for recreation
and legitimate organizations that provide a valuable rescue services to
animals. .
While OAIA encourages animal advocates to look for solutions to community
pet issues HB 1332 as written cannot solve the issues of producing healthy
pets for consumers and eliminating substandard breeding practices.