At the conclusion of Gov. Mary Fallins final State of the State speech, a banner bearing her likeness was unfurled from the balcony of the Capitols House chambers.
But this was no token of gratitude for Fallins eight years of service as the states executive. Instead, the hand-painted banner featured the governors face with the words Oklahoma State of Despair written in bright red letters.
Ushers quickly removed the dissenters and, according to a report by Nondoc, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb had the House gallery cleared.
If you live in the state and happened to miss this particular stunt, point us to the rock youve been hiding under this month. Images of the banner were all over broadcast news and retweeted across the nation.
Without taking sides, we at Chicken-Fried News would like to point out that the banner was objectively well drawn. The specific artist is unknown, but the image is sharp in a cartoonishly malevolent-looking way. And if anyone knows about cartoons, its the CFN crew.
Disregarding the banner itself, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle voiced their disapproval of the display. In a post-address news conference, Senate Minority Leader John Sparks, D-Norman, said the governors office deserves more respect.
It doesnt matter how noble your cause is, when you go about it in that way, you take a step backwards, he said.
It seems Oklahoma has gotten pretty good at stepping backward in recent years, especially in regard to its governance, lawmaking and budget maintenance. Heres hoping we move forward to some degree during Fallins final year.
Print headline: Banner year