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.

Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
A: Main, news
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
July 16, 2025
Get ready for another fun-filled weekend as the 41st Annual Whole Hawg Arts & Crafts Festival prepares to get underway, Friday and Saturday, July 25-26. The festival will consist of Arts & Crafts, a r...
A: Main, news
Eufaula Chamber of Commerce Rodeo debuts
July 16, 2025
The rodeo is woven into the fabric of Eufaula history. Long before the annual rodeo was held at the fairgrounds, there were rodeos in an area of the city now a part of the cove where there are softbal...
A: Main, news
Check with the City before starting work
July 16, 2025
As more residents and property owners take on home improvement projects, the City of Eufaula is reminding the public of a key first step: check with the City before you begin. Whether you   are buildi...
Eufaula hires full-time fire chief
A: Main, news
Eufaula hires full-time fire chief
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 16, 2025
Eufaula didn’t have to look far for its first full-time fire chief. Checotah Fire Chief Greg Carmack has been offered the job, replacing volunteer Fire Chief Chad French. The decision to hire someone ...
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
A: Main, news
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
July 16, 2025
When Bill Duvall was called to meet His Maker in the Great Round Up in the sky this past Sunday, Checotah lost one of its best storytellers and legendary cowboys ever. Thankfully his legacy will live ...
A: Main, news
Hats off to those credited with keeping the roundup club and rodeo alive
By Current Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 
July 16, 2025
Serena Kleveter, director Jay Hunn, president Zach McQuay Roxanne Loyd Kathy Turner Jeanette Smith Torie Anderson Peter Lee 1940-50 Doc Thurman Doc Gawf Dub Hammett 1960-70 Glen Pittman Fred Wendel Ho...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, news
Commissioners pass moratorium
July 16, 2025
TransAlta of Canada announced six months ago that it no longer planned to develop a wind turbine farm in McIntosh County. However, county commissioners wanted to make sure TransAlta or any other wind ...
news
Auditions for The Dancing Princesses open to all
July 16, 2025
If you’ve ever thought acting on stage might be fun, here’s your chance to find out. The Eufaula Performing and Arts Club is opening auditions for their next play to any would-be actor ages 10 and up....
news
McIntosh County GOP News
By LYNELLE MEDLEY CHAIRMAN 
July 16, 2025
Our potluck at the last meeting was so much fun and we had a fabulous turnout -- thank you to all of McIntosh County for supporting the Republican Party. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. It w...
news
Man facing obscenity charges
July 16, 2025
Ryan Troy Dick, 52-year-old Sallisaw resident, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfrie...
news
Juvenile dies following accident near Longtown
July 16, 2025
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that a juvenile, whose name and age are being withheld, was fatally injured in a single-vehicle accident that took place at about 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The deceased...
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