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David Stanley Ford

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe’s trips to Africa called a ‘Jesus thing’
WashingtonJourneys have cost taxpayers more than $187,000 since 1999

BY CHRIS CASTEEL    Comments Comment on this article102
Published: December 21, 2008

WASHINGTON — In the past decade, Sen. Jim Inhofe of Tulsa has made at least 20 trips to Africa as part of a mission that he frequently describes in religious terms.


Senator Jim Inhofe speaks during the Republican watch party at the Oklahoma City Marriott on Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City on Tuesday Nov. 4, 2008. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

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Ex-missionary is on staff
Not long after Sen. Jim Inhofe became interested in Africa, he hired a former African missionary for the Assemblies of God as his director of African affairs.

Mark Powers, who lives in Virginia, still works for the Assemblies of God general council while also serving part time on the senator’s staff.

When he was first hired in 2001, Powers was paid about $5,000 a year through the senator’s office. He is now paid $15,000 a year.

Powers accompanies the senator on his frequent trips to Africa.

Matt Dempsey, Inhofe’s communications director, said Powers worked for the Assemblies of God in several African nations before his employment with Inhofe.

"Mark’s proven understanding and knowledge of Africa is exactly the reason Mark was hired,” Dempsey said. "Senator Inhofe is well aware that Mark continues to remain active in his church and has made sure a clear line exists between Mark’s work in the Senate and Mark’s work for his church.”

Chris Casteel, Washington Bureau

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    12/21/2008 WASHINGTON — One of Sen. Jim Inhofe’s traveling companions to Africa this month was Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., who, like Inhofe, has equated...

Inhofe’s African trips have cost taxpayers more than $187,000 since 1999, according to a review of expenses Inhofe and staff members have submitted through the Armed Services Committee.

Some of the trips have been taken on military planes that cost thousands of dollars an hour to operate. The military does not disclose the cost of flying members of Congress to their destinations.

The trips — which Inhofe has referred to publicly as "a Jesus thing” — have spanned the continent, though the senator has spent most of his time in a few countries, including Uganda and Ethiopia. Early this month, he and three U.S. House members visited both of those countries to talk to their leaders about AIDS.

Since his first trip in 1998, Inhofe has visited the continent an average of twice a year. In 2006, he went to Uganda and Ethiopia in March and returned in May. He has said that he has probably visited the continent more than any U.S. senator in history.

He always takes staff members. He typically travels with other lawmakers, mostly conservative Republicans, and sometimes takes his wife.

Inhofe, R-Tulsa, said he personally paid for his first trip. But since 1999, his travel has been funded by taxpayers, with a portion being paid through the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Inhofe is a senior member.

Many lawmakers travel abroad at taxpayer expense, typically on "fact-finding” trips.

Inhofe said his work in Africa focuses on humanitarian, national security and economic matters.

He said he has helped get food to severely malnourished children in Ethiopia, brought leaders together to resolve disputes, helped get military training for some African countries’ forces, and focused attention in Congress on corrupt regimes and atrocities.

He has also used the official travel for fellowship activities related to the low-profile religious organization that puts on the National Prayer Breakfast.

"I’m guilty of two things,” Inhofe said in a recent interview. "I’m a Jesus guy, and I have a heart for Africa.”

‘Trying to recruit’
For trips in which Inhofe reported transportation costs, the airfare ranged from $4,727 to go to Ghana, Kenya and Benin in 2002 to $7,200 to go to Ethiopia, Uganda and Italy in 2006.

Inhofe has also asked other lawmakers to accompany him on trips. The Oklahoman did not try to tally all of the travel costs of the House members or other senators who accompanied him.

"I’m trying to recruit people to have an interest in Africa,” Inhofe said. "I’m trying to get members of the House and Senate to understand how valuable Africa is.”

Inhofe has said that he has been asked by the military and the State Department to travel to Africa. The State Department declined to respond to questions about Inhofe’s travels, referring questions to Inhofe’s office.

The senator’s office provided copies of letters to Inhofe from the head of the Defense Department’s African command. Those letters suggested countries Inhofe might visit and topics he might discuss but did not request that the senator travel to Africa, and they appeared to have been written after Inhofe had already decided to make a trip.

‘A good friend of Africa and Uganda’
Inhofe said the State Department rotated employees too often to establish the kind "intimate relationships” he had been able to build.

And, he said, "Nobody in Congress understands or cares about Africa.”

Chairmen of the Senate and House foreign relations subcommittees on Africa declined to respond to Inhofe’s comment about Congress’ alleged lack of interest in the continent.

Charles Ssentongo, deputy chief of mission at the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, said many members of Congress have been supportive of Africa.

He specifically cited Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., who head up the subcommittees on Africa, and Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.

Ssentongo said Inhofe "has been a good friend of Africa and Uganda in particular. Senator Inhofe has been one of the leading voices on the various issues facing our continent.”

Inhofe has been helpful in denouncing the Lord’s Resistance Army, a guerrilla group that operates in northern Uganda, "which has been so brutal to our people,” Ssentongo said.

And he said Inhofe has "played an active role in the faith-based aspect of our anti-AIDS campaign.”

Despite his concerns about AIDS in Africa, Inhofe this year voted against a $50 billion bill that included funding for AIDS treatment and prevention in Africa. Inhofe said the bill spent beyond what the program could absorb.

‘A mission there for many years’
The Tulsa senator has made several public statements linking his interest in Africa to his faith.

At a U.S. House committee hearing in 2005, Inhofe said, "I have had a mission there for many years. It is more of a Jesus thing, but I have spent a lot of time in Africa.”

Inhofe’s efforts are linked to those of a group called The Fellowship Foundation, also identified on its tax returns as the International Foundation.

Inhofe said he first went to Africa at the urging of Doug Coe, the longtime leader of the group.

Based in nearby Arlington, Va., the group puts on the National Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast is held annually and attracts leaders from around the world. The foundation also sponsors activities connected to the prayer breakfast in other countries and sometimes pays for lawmakers’ travels.

On its 2006 tax return, the foundation describes its mission in part as "mentoring, counseling and partnering with friends around the world: The foundation seeks to encourage individuals to integrate the principles of Jesus in their work and in their everyday relationships.”

In an interview with an Assemblies of God publication in 2002, Inhofe said, "I’ve adopted 12 countries all the way from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and Gabon in West Africa as far east as Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. I’m planning to meet with nine presidents in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. My focus will be to meet in the spirit of Jesus.”

A common denominator
In 2002, the International Foundation donated nearly $5,800 to charity in lieu of speaking fees to the Republican senator.

The foundation’s tax returns from 2006 show it donated nearly $1 million to a Uganda-based charitable organization and $1,500 to Pentecostal churches in Burundi, another country that Inhofe has visited frequently.

Ssentongo, in the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, said Inhofe has participated in prayer breakfasts in Uganda and that organizers of those breakfasts "have benefited from his (Inhofe’s) wisdom and the people in his office.”

Inhofe said he wasn’t trying to push a specific religious agenda in Africa and that he considered Jesus "a common denominator” in his meetings with African leaders of different faiths.

Said Ssentongo, "He has been very strong on inter-faith dialogue.”

I’m guilty of two things. I’m a Jesus guy, and I have a heart for Africa.”

Sen. Jim Inhofe

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David Stanley Ford


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Floyd, I really have no idea what you're talking about (sayings?). I'm sorry that you've encountered people who don't like to listen to you. However, the tact of a person should not prohibit their religious freedom. Do you readily understand that?
johnny, LA - Dec 23, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I think I get it though. We want the government to be more like us. Buy your kid a Wii (when they already have a PS3) while the person on the corner is begging for food. You're like the kid that gets pissed off that his parents gave to someone in need instead of buying him a pony. Please take some time to look up how impoverished Africa is, please.
johnny, LA - Dec 23, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Two things I'm pissed off about. The first is everyone's assumption that you can't practice your religion at work if you happen to work for the government. That's called communism. The state cannot force religion on anyone, if they do they should be punished, but the state should not be able to stop people from practicing their religion. The second is people like nancy who seem to thing Oklahoma is overloaded with poor and homeless people. Those people have no heart (or a misguided one) and obviously have never been to an impoverished nation. Homeless people in the US have access to emergency rooms, clean water, food, and programs to help them rebound. All things that many people in Africa dream of. I would wonder how much these whiners have given to the poor in the past month.
johnny, LA - Dec 23, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Inhofe slanders GOD'S name. Meles Zenawi

http://www.parade.com/dictators/2008/profiles/meles-zenawi.html



http://www.parade.com/articles/web_exclusives/2007/02-11-2007/dictators17.html


Bush's Somalia Strategy Enables an Ethiopian Despot

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070226/wachter
Nancy, Oklahoma City - Dec 23, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Excuse me, I meant; CENSURED .
Nancy, Oklahoma City - Dec 23, 2008 at 12:43 pm
This guy should be CENSORED!
Nancy, Oklahoma City - Dec 23, 2008 at 12:19 pm
His non-actions toward our own poor and homeless in this state shows Inhofe to be a liar and wouldn't know Jesus if he slapped him in his face. His god is obviously oil and diamonds. Like ole Pat Roberstson, he believes in slaves and profits and nothing more. The old devil perverts scriptures to serve his materialistic agenda. If he is christian at all, he is a 'Carnal' Christian. And in danger of hellfire.
Nancy, Oklahoma City - Dec 23, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Inhofe is your typical Republican (Demorcrat as well) politician. Takes money from the tax payers to do his own bidding and vacations all in the guise of "humanitarian" work. Whines and cries about what his president Bush is doing wrong but does nothing but whine. Whines about the bailout,whines about abortion, whines about Democrats and "liberals" but does nothing about it. Except protect his little pocket of security he has in Congress and all the bennies he and his cronies can get while he(they) do not care about you, the people whom put him in office. Did not want to do anything about Tar Creek in the beginning but under pressure from the people does something and then takes all the glory for it. What a phony!!!!
Terry, Norman - Dec 22, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Jason you are partly right. I was once asked by a professor while defending a thesis if I could cure AIDS in Africa would I do it even if I knew that they would starve to death as the population would increase. I replied immediately yes, and followed with after I cure AIDS then I will work towards the next problem - over population - the next - food supply etc. You have to start somewhere, and it is better to try something like we are the world or hands across a America than do nothing. They fed a lot of people, but they did not cure the problem.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Dec 22, 2008 at 6:51 pm
johnny,L.A. I just got an e-mail with some sayings on it. I don't need to comment as I have experienced it many times. You will readily understand."People who want to share their religious views with you, almost never want you to share yours with them."
Floyd, Oklahoma City - Dec 22, 2008 at 6:38 pm
"Senator Inhofe is well aware that Mark continues to remain active in his church and has made sure a clear line exists between Mark’s work in the Senate and Mark’s work for his church.” How, exactly, does Senator Inhofe do that? That's what I want to know.
Maria - Dec 22, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Are you kidding - Governor Henry is a sellout, the last year or longer he has been sucking up to Obama in hopes of bettering HIS future on the national level including voting against the will of the Oklahoma voice who wanted Clinton over Obama. I wouldn't trust him to appoint anyone to office with the interests of the people in mind. Clinton didn't try to fight anyone - he was getting people together and trying to pacify the terrorists so things like 911 didn't happen. Bush came in and said no we aren't going to deal with them any longer. I suppose it was an easy choice to send are military into battle GS? I guess it is also easy to wage war against a foreign government while limiting civilian casualties. I guess it is easy to keep your soldiers in a foreign land while some of your citizens and congress are upset and calling for your job while having a horrible approval rating? Its interesting because after 911, Bush had a great approval rating and people were strongly supporting his decisions in Iraq and Afghanastan. I guess it is easy to keep a country everyone seems to care less about from going into a civil war with possibly millions of casualties? You could probably sleep with that, but Bush made some incredibly hard choices. It would be easy for him to have waved the banner mission complete - we get Saddam and fly home. Iraq could be a very valuable ally in the future and be a big help in stabilizing the middle east, but it won't happen in few few years, it may take a generation, but there is a chance now for a better future. Russia is not our enemy, we may not be friends, but I wouldn't lose sleep over their ships in Cuba or South America. We have nuclear subs at both locations. They are pissed because Bush is following up on Regan's SDI plan that Clinton dropped due to pressure by Russia and others. Another tough choice that will help ensure the safety of our country if Obama doesn't shelf it when Russia throw a fit again testing Obama's resolve. Who paid for Obama's trip to Africa, and whose money is he pledging to help them? Even Bill Clinton didn't use the scandal as an excuse to not get his job done so why are you? He slept very little while in office as was a work- ahollic. Clinton did some great things while in office, but fighting terrorists was not one of them. What did he do after they bombed are warship - he had them tow it home to be repaired - thats it. Reagon Bush and probably McCain would not have allowed that to go, they don't allow foreign governments or terrorists to keep our hostages, and they would keep SDI strong as well as our security. Finally, we are not in that much trouble as everyone is crying about. The democrates over emphasized every problem in the world in order to get their we need change campaign going. I guess it was effective they stock market tankd, people panicked and bought crappy fuel efficient vehilcles for 30,000, and Obama got elected. Now the malls are still full, people are still working, driving, life is normal except for those that bought those crappy cars spending 10,000 more than they were worth to save 1000 in gas, and those middle class people that put every dime of their retirement savings into agressive stock plans eventhough their advisors warned them it was risky, or theose that bought one or more houses they couldn't afford because their friends and coworkers were doing it. That isn't the Republicans fault those are personl choices, and those people should take responsibility for those choices rather than blaming others. The government (Republican) is now bailing out the west and east coast because of their bad decisions, and I personally don't think I shold pay for their mistakes. Those happen to be Democratic states - who I guess want the government to keep printing money 24 hours a day to hand it out to everyone so we can all be happy. The problem is the dollar is falling and either our children will pay for the bail-uts or the USA will fall from #1 economy. On the otherhand Russia is in far much worse shape than we are in regards to economy - so fear not about the Russians attacking us "at our weakest moment". We are not close to our weakest moment yet, and we are no where close to the depression times of the 30's that some are trying to compare us. When our economy is bad we buy used cars, we stop eating out, and we don't go on vacation, when other countries have economic problems there people starve! I doubt very many people in Oklahoma or in the US can say they are worse off now than eight years ago unless they are in the auto industry perhaps.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Dec 22, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Jim Inhoffe is a great Senator and goes about his business as a Senator in a manner that this voter agrees with. If you have so much hatred for him then VOTE him out of office. I will continue to VOTE for him until he conducts himself in a way I don't agree with. Maybe I can find a socialist next election and we can go have lunch together instead of voting in opposition to each other, again.
John, Oklahoma CIty - Dec 22, 2008 at 6:01 pm
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Jesus is probably more ashamed of the selfish, narcissistic, greedy joke of a holiday we call his birthday than a Senator trying to raise awareness for an impoverished country. I still don't understand what kind of self serving he's doing, a vacation in war-torn Sudan? As far as including religion with his government job: I was unaware that we lived in an atheistic communist country where religion is barred from people's lives. When did that happen?
johnny, LA - Dec 22, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Love the logic Cale - it's called ad hominem or ad hominem tu quoque. Also known as a logical fallacy.
johnny, LA - Dec 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm
If it is a Jesus thing then why do it on tax payers money? This is a cop out. I went to Ecuador on a medical mission trip through my church and spent $1000 of my OWN money. And I am sure I don't make as much as Senator Inhofe. This is charity work! People like senator Inhofe use tax payer money for their own agenda and "pleasure trips". If the trips are for national reasons, then why try to tap into peoples emotions regarding religion. People need to become more aware of when people use a religious reason to cover up a greedy self serving reason. Jesus would be ashamed of Senator Inhofe.
Celeste, Edmond - Dec 22, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Speaking of "Brother Jim." We might ask Jim's actual brother and former business partner about how that "Jesus thang" played out while brother Jim was suing and financially raping his own flesh and blood. Jim gives Christianity a bad name.
Cale, oklahoma city - Dec 22, 2008 at 11:53 am
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I want to know why people abuse welfare with my money. I want to know why girls can kill unborn children with my money. I want to know why major companies are getting billions of "bail out" cash that was from my taxes. $20,000 a year to raise awareness for an impoverished part of the world is the least of my worries. You want to talk about "hardships we're all enduring here" - apparently you've never been to africa. Exactly what kind of "hardships" are we enduring? Are you without clean drinking water? Do you have a working heater for the winter and a working air conditioner in the summer? Can you walk into an emergency room and not be refused first aid? All luxuries that the majority of africans will not experience. But yeah, I'm proud of your "endurance" through these tough economic times. Ignorant selfish pricks.
johnny, LA - Dec 21, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I think it's a great idea to talk with African leaders regarding AIDS, national security and economic issues. But why does he and his friends have to go there twice a year with my money? What about the hardships we're all enduring here in the United States? I also find it beyond disturbing when he starts talking about his trips being a Jesus thing. It's his business who he worships but I'm not Christian...why would I want to pay for a mission trip? Where is the separation of church and state here?
Lindsay, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Oh yeah...I forgot....20 trips.....Jeeeeeee...suz (thing).
Nancy, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Leave it to the Oklahoman to run this "story" after the election. Joining the new "way of change" are we? You knew these facts long before the election. But, alas, the old guard are slow to resign their post. Suffice to say, there are Ethiopians, and countless other Africans who've laid eyes on Inhofe countless more times than
99% of his constituents. (Those 1% being major donors) Great goodness, I'm a republican and I can smell a rat. It must be a bad
(revenue) day when OPUBCO believes they can "prop up" a politician
for YEARS and reverse course with full previous knowledge of his actions post election.
Nancy, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Seriously? " Jim goes to africa to help Jim?" Fighting the AIDS crisis and feeding people in Ethiopia? There are a lot of selfish tools out there that only care about themselves. I bet the people who are complaining about him doing stuff for africa (an impoverished continent) and not worrying about "home" either don't have a passport or have only used it for their European sight-seeing trip. Last year 1.5 million Africans died from AIDS leaving 11.6 million orphaned african children. While we're going through a "recession" which means we buy the 36" wide-screen instead of the 42," thousands of Africans are dying from Malaria because they don't have access to clean drinking water. Some of the statements I've seen on here are unbelievable and ignorant to say the least (Senators do this stuff all the time to places a lot more desirable than Africa). You guys are selfish pricks.
johnny, LA - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Inholfe has been traveling to Ethiopia to prop up his stooge Meles Zenawi. It is a disgrace to see a public elected official from such a great nation as honourable as the US to travel this often with tax payers money to prop up a laothed blood sucker Zenawi. I hear and see Inholfe talking about Mugabe(another blood sucker from Africa). What a hypocrat! He has even threatened to filibuster a bill on promoting Democracy and rule of law in Ethiopia.

Inholfe represent every failure of the Bush administration and has been a divergent as far as the US long term interests has been concerned.

Fishcka - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Sending "aid" in the form of money to sub-Saharan Africa reminds me of what Lincoln once said about sending more troops to General McClellan: it was as futile as shoveling fleas across a sand lot because not half of them seemed to get there. Anyone here old enough to remember "We are the world...we are the chiiiiiillllldren!!!"? Heh - what an eternal waste of effort in whatever decade it's done.
Jason, Edmond - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:55 pm
We heard lots about Andrew Rice going to Africa on mission trips during the election. The difference between Andrew going and Jim going is that Andrew went to help people; wherever Jim goes, whatever Jim does, it's to help Jim. We, the people of Oklahoma, are not a concern to him unless it's an election cycle.
Donna, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Hey Jim...I wish I could say your the man with lots of family morals, but your not. Remember that time when you and your dirty co-workers walked into a bar I was working, drunk off your a&^ cussing like a dirty sailors. I wonder if you tell that story to the African people who so love you. I'm wondering if you would invite me and some of the 100's of people who are pissed off to africa, so we can see what it is that you really do. I wanna see what really goes on there. I mean, lets be real, don't we have churches that already do that mission stuff. I sure wished you would have lost the elections. your just one example of dirtyness in Oklahoma politics. I will give to a thumbs up, way to promote this crap right before Christmas, a time when people are broke and out of work...You really are dirty.
Dave, Midwest City - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:16 pm
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pffftt, Bwahahahahahaha!!!! To read all the Democrat comments on here showing how knee deep in bitterness they are is absolutely hilarious! Inhofe won his seat easily over a Liberal/Socialist and would easily win again and again against the other like minded Democrats. He is far more representative of Oklahomans than they are. Thanks for your service Mr. Inhofe, and remember, man made global warming IS a hoax.
Brock, Beaver -
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I totally agree with Brock too
Larry, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I guess it's OK for Barack Hussein Obama to spend taxpayer money to visit his homeland in Kenya, huh? Senators do this work all the time. They all have interests like this. They go meet with heads of state and such to form relationships and work together. If Inhofe were taking trips to Switzerland to support needy skiers it would be one thing. But the places he is vistiting are not places many of you critics would want to go. I guess the author was trying to stir the pot with all the "Jesus" references. Actually, they provide more insight to Mr. Inhofe's values and convictions, which I support wholeheartedly.
Eric, Moore -
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I totally agree with Eric
Larry, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I'm a Payne County taxpayer and I do NOT want him, or any other member of Congress, tkaing my money to promote Christianity or any other religion!!!
Rodney, Kowloon, Hong Kong - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I'm good with a Christian Senator. I'm not good with taxpayers paying for mission trips. Here's why, if a person wants to contribute to a mission trip, it is generally tax deductible AND voluntary. In this case, it is not a tax deduction, he's going in a official capacity, and if it is the taxpayer's dollar, it is an involuntary donation on my part, your part, everyone's part. I have a problem with that.
Julie, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:34 pm
If he wants to learn about Africa... then use the internet. If he wants to visit with people over there, then let him set up a web cam link using MSN or Yahoo.
David, Altus - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:27 pm
So tell me this when did Africa get a vote in the senate?? What goes around comes around. One day when OKLAHOMA needs something all the other congressman will probably vote it down. But wait what about the africans?? What about them how about let AFRICA worry about AFRICA!!
julie, EL RENO - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:15 pm
So tell me this when did Africa get a vote in the senate?? What goes around comes around. One day when OKLAHOMA needs something all the other congressman will probably vote it down. But wait what about the africans?? What about them how about let AFRICA worry about AFRICA!!
julie, EL RENO - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Julie-OKC, we get your opinion over and over and over. Say something a little different!
lanny, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:06 pm
What a waste of our tax dollars!!
julie, EL RENO - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I'm good with a Christian Senator. I'm not good with taxpayers paying for mission trips. Here's why, if a person wants to contribute to a mission trip, it is generally tax deductible AND voluntary. In this case, it is not a tax deduction, he's going in a official capacity, and if it is the taxpayer's dollar, it is an involuntary donation on my part, your part, everyone's part. I have a problem with that.
Julie, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I've known Jim Inhofe for about 40 years and he wasn't always this bad. Somewhere along the way he changed and became a narrow minded selfish person who lays a lot of religion on top of everthing but doesn't truly practice it. I could give countless examples of how Jim has evolved into someone that's hard to like and an individual who is so judgemental in his personal and professional lives that he's a mere shadow of what he used to be. It's too bad. That's why I haven't voted for him since the 1996 election. And now we've got another 6 years of ineffective service from him in front of us. Oklahoma made a big mistake reelecting him and the Democrats made a mistake by not running someone who could beat him. By the way, I tend to vote Republican in most elections.
Z, Lake - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:55 pm
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I'm good with a Christian Senator. I'm not good with taxpayers paying for mission trips. Here's why, if a person wants to contribute to a mission trip, it is generally tax deductible AND voluntary. In this case, it is not a tax deduction, he's going in a official capacity, and if it is the taxpayer's dollar, it is an involuntary donation on my part, your part, everyone's part. I have a problem with that.
Julie, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Not to mention the establishment clause in our Constitution that Bush and Inhofe cherry-pick according to their own ideology. Such arrogance and disrespect of law and common sense.
lanny, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I'm good with a Christian Senator. I'm not good with taxpayers paying for mission trips. Here's why, if a person wants to contribute to a mission trip, it is generally tax deductible AND voluntary. In this case, it is not a tax deduction, he's going in a official capacity, and if it is the taxpayer's dollar, it is an involuntary donation on my part, your part, everyone's part. I have a problem with that.
Julie, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Just another Socialist trying to spread taxpayer dollars around ! God is just a bonus.
lanny, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I have a great idea, let's send Evangelist Jim to Africa with a one way ticket. I would like to see Brother Jim have his mind emptied so he will not mention he is from Oklahoma, (oops, his mind is already empty.) We can send Jim to Africa and raise the IQ of both Oklahoma and Washington, DC. I'll bet Governor henry can appoint someone who will represent all of the people of Oklahoma with the biased, politically polarizing dumb remarks of Jim's stupidity. Inhofe is an embarrassment to Oklahoma and he reaffirms the stereotype of Oklahoma and OKIES that the world has. We deserve better, he was elected as a US Senator, not an evangelist. Oklahoma, let's recall this buffoon before he further damages our reputation.
Michael, Edmond - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I have a great idea, let's send Evangelist Jim to Africa with a one way ticket. I would like to see Brother Jim have his mind emptied so he will not mention he is from Oklahoma, (oops, his mind is already empty.) We can send Jim to Africa and raise the IQ of both Oklahoma and Washington, DC. I'll bet Governor henry can appoint someone who will represent all of the people of Oklahoma with the biased, politically polarizing dumb remarks of Jim's stupidity. Inhofe is an embarrassment to Oklahoma and he reaffirms the stereotype of Oklahoma and OKIES that the world has. We deserve better, he was elected as a US Senator, not an evangelist. Oklahoma, let's recall this buffoon before he further damages our reputation.
Michael, Edmond - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:12 pm
and gee, he never delivered on that promise either.
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:10 pm
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ok he promised $15 billion not hundreds.
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:09 pm
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Let me see, Sen. inhofe has gone to Africa a bunch. He's someone who has visited lots of hot spots, war torn areas to gain knowledge about potential problems. Saudi Arania, Egypt, and lots of other countries in Africa could cause international problems for us. Don't you think it's a great idea to have someone as experieinced as Jim Inhofe helping our leaders get the insight they need to address our problems and potential problems in Africa? I do.
Bob, Midwest City - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:08 pm
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Eric is from Moore. Need we say anymore? As for Bush and tough choices, are you nuts? Bush did the easy which is why we are in so much trouble. No one benefits from cowboy foreign policy and no-regulation domestic policy where only the richest benefit. Bush will go down in history as one of the worst presidents ever. Future generations are lucky that moron could not be president any longer and our country survived his idiocy. Of course, the rest of the country is grateful - Oklahoma is proud to maintain our consistency. As for Obama, he went to Kenya to promote AIDS awareness where the Bush administration pledged hundreds of billions of our tax dollars to fight AIDS. He did not go to promote his family or Jesus. Finally, Clinton fought domestic terrorism and tried to fight foriegn terrorism but was limited because our Republican Congress decided he should be impeached for lying about an extra marital affair with a 20 something intern. Wooo Hoooo! Thank g-d those Republicans had their priorities straight. Otherwise we all might think lying about an extra marital affair is ok. Like Newt Gingrich did. Like Henry Hyde did. Like Bob Livingston did. I believe I have all of the main characters in that forgotten play.
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:07 pm
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This is a poorly written story.

Thank God (oops, am I allowed to use that word?) that Oklahoma is represented by a Senator who cares about those suffering. Just because he didn't vote for a bill that we can't afford and that would be bogged down in bureaucracy does NOT mean that he doesn't care.

If anyone is mad about this, maybe you should tell it to his adopted grand daughter. She is from Africa and was on the brink of death when Inhofe saved her. I guess if it wasn't a Jesus thing and it wasn't on the public's dime it would be okay. Since it was, maybe he should send her back and stop helping African people.
Heather, Stillwater - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:05 pm
This is a poorly written story.

Thank God (oops, am I allowed to use that word?) that Oklahoma is represented by a Senator who cares about those suffering. Just because he didn't vote for a bill that we can't afford and that would be bogged down in bureaucracy does NOT mean that he doesn't care.

If anyone is mad about this, maybe you should tell it to his adopted grand daughter. She is from Africa and was on the brink of death when Inhofe saved her. I guess if it wasn't a Jesus thing and it wasn't on the public's dime it would be okay. Since it was, maybe he should send her back and stop helping African people.
Heather, Stillwater - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Disgusting.
This clown masquerading as a Senator is allowed to blow that much of taxpayer's money for trips to Africa, yet this moron refuses to really help by refusing to vote for a bill to give more help to fight the spread of AIDS. Naturally.
What's even more disgusting is the people who support this idiot and re-elected him claiming (right here on this column) that they support his values and the rest.
Really? Then maybe you should closely examine the things you support and believe in, because it's people like Jim Inhofe and his supporters that represent all that is wrong with this country.
He refuses to believe in global warming, claiming it's a myth, is in the pocket of the oil companies, and supports every rabid wingnut 'Christian' cause there is, including the aforementined refusal to fund AIDS fighting in Africa.
Pathetic.
Newsflash: This is NOT a theocracy we live in but a constituation republic. The sooner Inhofe and the rest of the crazies here realize that the better. Keep Jesus in church and out of government, where he belongs.
Inhofe is a disgrace to the state and to the Senate.
Jeff, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:02 pm
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Ya'll need to read "Charlie Wilson's War" because this is what Congressmen do. What everyone needs to focus on is the fact that there are Russian warships harboring in Cuba right now. Don't think for a minute that our old enemy won't try to hit us back at our weakest moment.
NB Sooner, New Braunfels - Dec 21, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Eric in Moore, you make me laugh. All somebody has to do is pour a little "Jesus" on a cow pattie and you'd eat it. You are why the Republican party has lost the presidency, house and senate. Nobody is that dumb anymore.
stinkerpants, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Actually our economy is not that bad especially in Oklahoma. Some people that invested in the stock market probably lost some money, but they will get it back in a few years. The stock market is nothing more than gambling - there will be ups and downs and that is why there are disclosures everytime you buy stocks warning you about the possibility of losing some or all of your investment. Thank goodness social security was not privatized or can you imagine the elderly people losing SS as well? I think the US should do more in Africa especially Somalia and Rwanda. It is too bad the travel expenses are so high preventing most of us to visit other countries because if we had the opportunity, I think people would feel differently than Steve. Our set back in the current economy is nothing compared to what other people are facing such as starvation and an aids outburst affecting nearly 50% of some populations with expectations that it will increase! Humanity doesn't stop at the border. While I liked a lot of what Clinton did in office. He tried to keep the peace at any cost, which allowed the terroists more time to build and gain strength. I hope Obama keeps his promise to destroy the terrorists networks around the world wherever they are found for the good of Oklahomans, Africans, and everyone else. Iraq needs to manage its own country, and it will given time. Bush certainly made some mistakes in office, but he made some tough choices as well, and future generations will be better off for our sacrifices. While not perfect, our borders and airlines are much safer than ever before, and people across the US are being educated about security and disaster senarios - not all terrorist related.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Going to Africa to party with JESUS........$30,000.00
Using Tax Payers money to fund this trip...$60,000.00
Eating world famous monkey brains.............$200.00
Playing basketball with the natives and laughing about with all your dirty friends in D.C.....PRICELESS
Dave, Midwest City - Dec 21, 2008 at 4:08 pm
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I wonder if we as tax payers can go to africa and hoop it up with the natives. Or, I wonder, is he really there for a jesus trip or meeting his mistress in some hut deep in the jungles of africa. either way, we will never be allowed to go. Oh well, what happens in africa, stays in africa. INHOFE IS A DIRTY, NO GOOD, WORTHLESS, LYING, STEALING, AFRICA JESUS FRAUD....Merry Christmas all
Dave, Midwest City - Dec 21, 2008 at 4:04 pm
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I guess it's OK for Barack Hussein Obama to spend taxpayer money to visit his homeland in Kenya, huh?

Senators do this work all the time. They all have interests like this. They go meet with heads of state and such to form relationships and work together. If Inhofe were taking trips to Switzerland to support needy skiers it would be one thing. But the places he is vistiting are not places many of you critics would want to go.

I guess the author was trying to stir the pot with all the "Jesus" references.

Actually, they provide more insight to Mr. Inhofe's values and convictions, which I support wholeheartedly.
Eric, Moore - Dec 21, 2008 at 3:34 pm
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Talk about a TOTAL waste of taxpayers money! He is so corrupt that it isnt even funny. During his run for re election, he called for Oklahoma values...YOU CALL THIS OKLAHOMA VALUES? NOT even close. IMPEACH HIM....
David, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 3:14 pm
GS, saying that the DO is a tool of the Republican Party is giving the DO "journalists" way to much credit. This paper is written on a seventh grade reading for the citizens of Oklahoma. I believe that most of the responses written to this paper are written at a higher reading level than the people writing the stories.
Jon, Edmond - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:57 pm
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I'm a Jesus guy too but I'd never use taxpayer money for my personal missions. I do not think the voters of Oklahoma care about Africa. We care about the things that Sen. Inhofe and the Republican Party have neglected under the Bush II administration. Yes, the Bush II administration has had a successful Africa policy. But, it does not do anything for me in Oklahoma and it doesn't do much of anything for the vast majority of my fellow Americans. With almost eight years after 9/11, instead, after the attack on our economic life, we find ourselves at the pit of near economic failure with no plan or end in sight into killing our enemies or not being rope a doped into killing our own economy. However, perhaps, we Oklahomans deserve the current state of things as we vote these guys back in again and again. It's about time we vote for someone who wants to be a Jesus guy for Oklahoma and for a guy who has a heart for Oklahoma.
Steve, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:03 pm
He seems to think that nobody wants to travel to Africa with him because they don't care about Africa. Haha! He is more irrelevant than ever.
Patricia, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:00 pm
c: you are right. This is lousy journalism because the Daily Oklahoman is a tool of the Republican Party and vice a versa. They can't cover too much because that might embarass their cause. If this story involved Dan Boren, David Walters or Gene Stipe we'd be reading every day about some new development or another. They'd have three reporters and an army of computer geeks combing every ethics report and financial disclosure form looking for evidence of dare I say corruption. AND, most important of all this story would have broke in October before the election not December one month after the election. Thank g-d they fund the OU School of Journalism so now all of the reporters being educated in this state will share in this blissful bias non-journalism.
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:51 pm
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John,Norman. Absolutely right.
Patricia, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:50 pm
c: you are right. This is lousy journalism because the Daily Oklahoman is a tool of the Republican Party and vice a versa. They can't cover too much because that might embarass their cause. If this story involved Dan Boren, David Walters or Gene Stipe we'd be reading every day about some new development or another. They'd have three reporters and an army of computer geeks combing every ethics report and financial disclosure form looking for evidence of dare I say corruption. AND, most important of all this story would have broke in October before the election not December one month after the election. Thank g-d they fund the OU School of Journalism so now all of the reporters being educated in this state will share in this blissful bias non-journalism.
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm
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That Inhofe is still around and the Republicrooks are gaining in this state is more a testament to how freakin awful the Democratic Party is here than anything. To call Inhofe's opponent a socialist is beyond moronic which is also another testament to how ignorant Oklahomans are that they do not know what is happening in this country. No socialist, communist or liberal has done more damage to our capitalist economy than the Republicans of the last 8 years. And for all the fears placed in our heads for the last 100 years no group has done more to socialize our economy than the Republicans in the last 6 months. Oh, some might blame Congress, but the real problems were all created by the "market control" and "no regulation" Republicans. I spit on their graves and may they rest in peace for a long time!
GS, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:44 pm
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What lousy journalism - if this is what it's called in the 21st century. There are FAR too many holes in this story, the way it is told. And even then, the ONLY story being told is: "I'm a lazy journalist who needs to sell more papers. Think I'll find the nearest Christian and beat up on him."
c, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm
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Inhofe = Crook, Corrupt, Lunatic.
B, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:30 pm
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“When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.”

Bishop Desmond Tutu quotes (African Spiritual leader and Novelist, b.1931)

Spot on quote by a genuine religious leader.
John, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:07 pm
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This is a half ass article if you ask me. It did not say that taxpayers paid his wife's expenses. So did we or did he pay those? It is a great thing for him to help out giving his time and money, but he should be giving his time and money. If the government flies him around, I don't see a problem with it - I doubt they fly him to Africa solo. If he is abusing his authority, he is no better than the last OKC superintendent, but if he truly is donating HIS time and money to help out than he is a great guy - a Jesus guy.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 12:19 pm
pffftt, Bwahahahahahaha!!!! To read all the Democrat comments on here showing how knee deep in bitterness they are is absolutely hilarious! Inhofe won his seat easily over a Liberal/Socialist and would easily win again and again against the other like minded Democrats. He is far more representative of Oklahomans than they are. Thanks for your service Mr. Inhofe, and remember, man made global warming IS a hoax.
Brock, Beaver - Dec 21, 2008 at 11:49 am
I wasn't aware that either Jesus or Africa was legally entitled to representation in the U.S. Senate. But since every other entity has 2, perhaps we should inquire where the other one is for either Jesus or Africa.
But since Inhofe represents each of them, do you suppose he could encourage Jesus to heal Africa?
Percy F., Ardmore - Dec 21, 2008 at 11:39 am
Let's save some money, and send his goofy a$$ to Falls Creek...
P, Sulphur - Dec 21, 2008 at 11:10 am
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I want to know why we are paying for his sex trips to aferica. he is to be doing things for the tax payers, not spend there money taking all his play mates on trips. as a vetern i would like to know why we cannot get things done for us here in the U.S.A.
tom, fox - Dec 21, 2008 at 11:00 am
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I wouldn't be suprised if he thinks he is Jesus.
Kevin, Shawnee - Dec 21, 2008 at 10:50 am
If this guy can get 20 free paid trips to Africa from all the Oklahoma taxpayers and calls it a "Jesus thing" they should get rid of him. Sooner rather later...
Candace, Lakeland - Dec 21, 2008 at 10:18 am
Just one example of many why our country's finances look worse than MC Hammer's. Jesus rode a donkey on his trip to Africa.
G, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 10:03 am
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Inhofe is a perfect example of why state and religion needs to be separate. Oklahomans had a chance to get rid of him, but they just couldn't vote out those good old family values. What a joke
Milkman, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:49 am
Inhofe is a perfect example of why state and religion needs to be separate. Oklahomans had a chance to get rid of him, but they just couldn't vote out those good old family values. What a joke
Milkman, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:28 am
I think he is a Inhofe guy with a heart for Inhofe.
Jim,OKC
Jim, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:22 am
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J. Inhofe, posturing politically using God and the taxpayer ? Not a chance!
lanny, Tulsa - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:19 am
Yea, Idiothofe is such a shining example of Jesus....just look at his last campaign. This man is the worst joke in Oklahoma history, with Wacky Tom biting at his heels.
Jeff, pauls valley - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:13 am
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It good to read how interested some of you people with so-call out-of-state addresses are interested in the on goings of the center of the universe - Oklahoma. Apparently, you have your states or houses in order so you are constantly sticking your noses or opinions in our states business. In closing, I and many other Oklahomans trusted his decision making enough to re-elect him. So keep up the good work, Jim.
Herb, Choctaw - Dec 21, 2008 at 9:05 am
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Why is he flying on government aircraft for a Jesus Things? The ACLU should sue him for fraud. Use your own money to fund your religious efforts, Mr. Inhofe.
Jason, Seattle - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:46 am
If he really was a 'Jesus Guy,' he would know that charity begins at home and see that Oklahoma problems are taken care of first, and he would also know that thing about it being easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than to get into heaven, and therefore, distribute his OWN riches to the poor...
Kevin, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:42 am
I think these trips are very worthy and I am glad a Senator from Oklahoma is not afraid to speak the truth about what his actual pupose on an overseas trip is. How many trips are made in the name of diplomacy or to imporve our relationship with some terrorist state by Senators on the other side of the isle. Bravo Senator Inhoffe! (written by an actual constituant)
John, Oklahoma CIty - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:42 am
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SO when it is a Democrat that goes to Africa it is Humanitarian. Looks like a bunch of whining Liberals making comments including the writer of this article..
Bubba, Pittsburg - Dec 21, 2008 at 8:36 am
What a hack job! It's clear he wasn't doing religious mission work but the writer slams Inhoffe in the artical anyway. Mike you might want to catch up on your facts. We've been in a pattern of cooling for the last 10 years. The new buzzword for radicals is "climate change." Al Gore and his crooks are making millions because of gullible bozos like you.
Jay, Moore - Dec 21, 2008 at 7:15 am
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Twenty trips to Africa to figure out how to spend more taxpayer money there. Time for Inhofe to take his hard-earned and cushy Senate retirement.
leonard, Norman - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:58 am
He's so concerned about AIDS in Africa that he voted against congressional funding because it was too much. Inhofe is a dolt and embarassment to those of us with reasonable intelligence in our state. I guess that means the majority is below average intelligence. By the way, I'm a Christian but I'm not sure what "a Jesus thing" is...
Chris, Warr Acres - Dec 21, 2008 at 6:56 am
"A Jesus guy with a heart"....oh boy!
Bob , Mill Creek - Dec 21, 2008 at 5:57 am
All this on the TAX PAYERS DIME. He's one of the biggest crook in Oklahoma.
Dave, Midwest City - Dec 21, 2008 at 4:59 am
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I understand The Dude's frustration. Inhofe represents the kind of Oklahoma that won't move forward. ever.
H, Alhambra, CA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:49 am
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And to "the Dude." You don't get to call any one "STUPID" until you can: 1. complete a sentence; 2. learn to spell; and 3. learn how to not post three comments that are exactly the same. Pot, let me introduce you to the kettle.
johnny, LA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:49 am
Inhofe needs to travel on his vacations with his wife at his OWN EXPENSE! Quit wasting our precious tax dollars to go see the world! If it were truly a "fact finding" mission and it were truly government business, please tell me why his wife has to go? Inhofe is an embarrasment to our state and he keeps playing the simple sheep in this state like a two dollar fiddle.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:46 am
Yeah, what a freeloading schmuck! I can't believe any senator would try to help fight the AIDS crisis, combat hunger, and be a voice for the voiceless in Africa. What an absolute tool!
I don't know a lot of people who "live it up" in Uganda or Ethiopia but then again anything would be considered a vacation if you lived in Stillwater so I see Tom's point.
And the nerve to actually practice religion! Our forefathers didn't die in combat so that you could have religion and practice it did they? Doesn't he know that in politics you're suppose to pretend you're religious but never really let that influence anything you do (it's just suppose to help you win votes, e. g. "W")?
johnny, LA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:42 am
I, and so many silent Oklahomans, are sick and f'ing tired of this bullshat "Jesus Thang" this, and so many of FREAKS are doing. Don't we deserve better. You stupid mothers had an opportunity to get rid of this oddball. You are proud, but we are are ashamed. Rice, suck tho he did, was better than this loser. Wake up!! Seriously. I'm so tired of people like Bertie, who are are obviously STUPID. Word.
The Dude, Tunafish, FLA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:36 am
I, and so many silent Oklahomans, are sick and f'ing tired of this bullshat "Jesus Thang" this, and so many of FREAKS are doing. Don't we deserve better. You stupid mothers had an opportunity to get rid of this oddball. You are proud, but we are are ashamed. Rice, suck tho he did, was better than this loser. Wake up!! Seriously. I'm so tired of people like Bertie, who are are obviously STUPID. Word.
The Dude, Tunafish, FLA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:35 am
I, and so many silent Oklahomans, are sick and f'ing tired of this bullshat "Jesus Thang" this, and so many of FREAKS are doing. Don't we deserve better. You stupid mothers had an opportunity to get rid of this oddball. You are proud, but we are are ashamed. Rice, suck tho he did, was better than this loser. Wake up!! Seriously. I'm so tired of people like Bertie, who are are obviously STUPID. Word.
The Dude, Tunafish, FLA - Dec 21, 2008 at 2:35 am
Just another government freeloader living it up at taxpayers expense but with the nerve to introduce religion into it. Oklahoma deserves better representation than the self-serving conmen we have.
Tom, Stillwater - Dec 21, 2008 at 1:29 am
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Get over it Mike. Your 'man' Rice lost.

Benjamin, Oklahoma City - Dec 21, 2008 at 12:45 am
Not to mention his contribution to global warming. But then he says it's a hoax. What a schmuck.
Mike - Dec 21, 2008 at 12:07 am
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