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“Oklahoma” – Time for the “God’s Honest Truth”
commentary
June 8, 2023
“Oklahoma” – Time for the “God’s Honest Truth”
By JOE DORMAN CEO-OICA

For the Children

OKLAHOMA CITY – For those of you who watch Ted Lasso, I promise no spoilers in this column.

_e Apple+ television show, for those of you who are not aware of the series, focuses three seasons on an American football coach who goes overseas to coach an English football (soccer) team. He has no experience with the rules of the game and the show plays out to where every person in the large cast has a moment or more of growth, including the coach _nally learning the rules of the game (okay, one spoiler).

As a coach, Ted Lasso inspires with a folksy, whimsical, always upbeat personality. He is an inspirational leader for the young players on his team, along with the co-workers and management around him. Unfortunately, people like the star, played by Jason Sudeikis, are not as plentiful in the world as we would like.

In the show, “Oklahoma” was a word Ted used in couple’s therapy with his wife. If invoked by someone, it obligated others to tell the “God’s honest truth.” It is time we talked “Oklahoma” about a situation here in our home state involving children.

We have tragically seen reports of recent abusive situations from multiple school districts and youth programs regarding adults alleged to have either performed, encouraged, or allowed horri_c acts involving the children they were charged with protecting.

Adults in admired leadership roles o_en build positively or negatively upon that “hero worship” given by old and young alike. Sometimes, adults in trusted positions lose sight of their responsibility to care for every child in their charge, or occasionally have malicious intent from the beginning.

Ultimately, the best way to keep your children safe is to be aware of the situations they are in and be involved in their lives. Growing up, we were warned of “stranger danger” by being on guard for adults not known who acted suspiciously, but it goes beyond that. O_en, the family knows the most dangerous people, and they purposely “groom” children by growing familiar with the child and placing themselves into a role where they become trusted.

_e Safe House Project has an excellent blog detailing ways “grooming” can happen at https://safehouseproject. org/ It is not just grooming that is dangerous. Hero worship can lead people into dangerous situations when young and old alike are not mindful of outcomes. Reports of young people enacting bizarre rituals of hazing and abuse with their peers, thinking this will somehow build character or make them more mature, have been reported recently. Instead, these actions o_en scar the assaulted children psychologically and teach the abusers to be bullies. Too many peers or adults in authority positions condone, encourage, or orchestrate these actions.

Ultimately, being aware of situations involving your children is the best defense to protect them, and especially conversing daily with them. If you want to ensure your children are safe in situations, take time to volunteer for their activities and develop a network with other parents involved to promote safe situations.

Until we _nd more real-life mentors like Ted Lasso, let’s do our best to grow inspirational leaders from this generation who will help others grow through all the appropriate lessons and care. Be involved and engaged in the lives of the young people around you and keep them out of harmful situations. Let us make “Oklahoma” more than a name of a state or a call for honesty, but also a place that truly protects children.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
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When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
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By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
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Checotah FFA earns historic award
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Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
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Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
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Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
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Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
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A site out of this world
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By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
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Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
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Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
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Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
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Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
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Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
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LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
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