logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Words most certainly matter
commentary
February 14, 2024
Words most certainly matter
By Joe Dorman CEO ? OICA,

OKLAHOMA CITY – Words: the foundation of language, simple letters strung together to form a word. Then words are used to create sentences, then paragraphs, and eventually complete stories shared between human beings.

Sometimes, words are used to express love and joy, while in other instances, words are used to hurt or seek some negative satisfaction for an individual. In our American society, we value the use of words as almost sacred as we protect free speech in our United States Constitution, except in instances when words can incite violence or harm, such as yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater.

Politicians use words to communicate a direction through policy, with oftentimes an emphasis for seeking support through the public by encouraging action. Many words have become aligned with political dialogue, and many have shifted in meaning.

It is common practice for politicians, elected and those influencing elections, to survey the public in a poll with these words to evaluate if the use is effective in messaging.

Different words or phrases are used to paint a picture for shaping an agenda. The words “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” or DEI for short, have recently been used by political figures on both sides of the aisle to shape feelings.

Diversity is “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, or other factors.” Equity is “justice according to natural law or right,” or freedom from bias or favoritism. Inclusion means “the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.”

Now, these words can and have been politicized by both sides of the political spectrum. An example is “equity” which has been characterized to align with socialism. Obviously, policies associated with equity should be reviewed and judged based upon their intent and structure rather than a misguided fear enhanced by agenda.

When enforced in governmental policy, whether justly or not, as many people feel slighted as those who feel support from implementing some policies aligned with DEI. In contrast, many corporations and institutions have instituted DEI policies to enhance awareness for breaking down barriers which divide people by race and physical ability due to a condition.

Accessibility, the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. This word and its definition are a core DEI principle of a popular coffee shop in Oklahoma which hires individuals with circumstances which often prevent them from finding jobs with other companies.

Any word can be used as a dangerous tool, but it depends on who is using the word, the way it is being used, and the feelings it generates from those listening.

On Monday, Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his State of the State address to lawmakers on the first day of the Second Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature. Over the next four months, we will hear words used by officials to communicate messaging through debate in legislative bodies, as well as speeches from politicians shaping agendas.

We will also hear a torrent of words from candidates leading up to the elections in November. It is up to you to use your own critical thinking skills to not only hear these words, but also to determine what is used with bias or for the greater good. I would ask our politicians to choose their words wisely as in this election year, words will most certainly matter.

Eufaula Memorial Library
A: Main, news
Eufaula Memorial Library
July 2, 2025
A llama and a youngster got acquainted at a petting zoo at the Eufaula Memorial Library Wednesday, June 25. Dozens of kids and adults enjoyed the llama, goats, donkey and other animals, provided by Ma...
A: Main, news
Eufaula hosting July 4 Celebration
July 2, 2025
Mayor James Hickman and the City of Eufaula are honored to invite residents and visitors to the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 4. The fireworks will begin shortly after su...
A legacy lives on
A: Main, news
A legacy lives on
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
July 2, 2025
Selby Minner’s Celebration of Life on Saturday at the Checotah Performing Arts Center was a beautiful 3-hour-long tribute to an amazing soul who loved the blues and more importantly, loved people. As ...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, news
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 2, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
A: Main, news
Native American Arts & Crafts show Saturday
July 2, 2025
Eufaula Indian Community will host an Arts and Crafts show and sale Saturday, July 5 at the IEC Center, 800 Birkes Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to this event, a chair volleyball tournament...
Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
news
Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
July 2, 2025
On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford of Eufaula was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This past week Olivi...
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
news
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 2, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 2, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 2, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
July 2, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 2, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy