At Oklahoma Capitol, frivolity attached to serious issues

We're seeing that again this year with measures related to Obamacare. One idea, from two conservative Republicans, would make it a felony for a federal official to enforce the Affordable Care Act in Oklahoma. Another, from a Democratic leader, would force the state to participate in an optional Medicaid expansion. Both have elements of pandering, but are they also silly? Yes.

Bills by Rep. Mike Ritze and Sen. Nathan Dahm, Republicans from Broken Arrow, would nullify Obamacare in Oklahoma and subject federal officials to a prison term and fines if they attempt to enforce the law. State officials would also face sanctions if they cooperate with the feds in implementing Obamacare.

Federal courts, not the Legislature, are the proper venue for Obamacare challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld most of the law. It said states have the option of expanding Medicaid. What makes a bill by Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, so silly is that it would force an expansion that Republican Gov. Mary Fallin has so far rejected, as is her prerogative.