By Constitution Staff

We are off and running into a whole new year, starting with a clean slate for the Congress which we hope will correct many of the onerous and misguided actions done by the previous ones and the PRESBO Administration. Would that the same could be said about the many unconstitutional and unlawful decisions that have been set down in the courts of he Nation and States at various levels.

On the other hand, there are remedies available to legislative bodies, in the form of "nullification" and outright impeachment that have been ignored by past Congresses, mostly because the wrongful decisions were in line with the thinking of the majority members of same.

It seems to me that if, in the case of Federal Courts, just a few were brought to account for their wrongdoing, the others of like mind would think twice before moving to "legislate from the bench."

In my mind, there is some reason to feel optimism for the future during the next two years with a change in majority in the Senate and increase in majority in the House, with most of the newcomers being more, it is believed, oriented to a Constitutional mind set. At least Oklahoma seems to be doing its part, mostly, in the quality of delegates being sent to Washington (Old Foggy Bottom). My satisfaction and pride are very high with the Representative from the First District, Jim Bridenstine. Would that there be many more of his quality and ability making the decisions that so strongly affect our lives.

However, we, the voters, could maybe have some effect on those in office if we would just be activist enough to take the effort to let them know our feelings on matters at hand. It has been my practice for many years to let members of legislative bodies know when they do something that meets my approval, as much when it does not. Information has been received by me to the effect that such politicians do pay attention to Emails and telephone calls, even more than "mass mailings" of pre-written letters and petitions. Unless the matter really requires an answer with specific information, or a promise to accomplish something, a reply should not be expected, but appreciated if received.

It also helps to become acquainted in person with the office holder. One way is to in some way assist in his/her election campaign. In my own case, my State Representative, Dr. Mike Ritze, is also my personal physician and "flight surgeon," as well as being "out in right field" with me. My State Senator, Nathan Dahm, is one of the brightest, well educated, informed, and fearless political office holders known to me. Some personal favors have been done here.

Also, it should be widely known, the way to "get things done" is to get acquainted, even on the telephone, with the "Executive Assistants" to legislators. State legislators are holding "part time positions" and unless independently wealthy to an extreme have their own vocation to tend to. Thus they can be forgiven if a request rendered personally to one of them is not accomplished, it is because of the press of their own personal business. Whereas, those assistants in the Capitol are really more knowledgeable of where to go and how to get the information or things done. They have been of great help to me. With the members of Congress, the staffs are so large that there is usually a staff member knowledgeable about each of the major areas of interest, and usually they can, and will, give attention to our needs. If not, the office holder should be replaced.

May 2015 be unbelievably better and more prosperous than the last 20 years in your life. That is, unless the "rapture" occurs and we who believe will be forever much better off.

Robert W. McDowell, Jr.

Broken Arrow, OK