[Texas Mack]

Originally Posted by JumpingBird19

Wyllow61
Your post listed many complaints in general about Oklahoma and Oklahoma people. To attempt to be fair many of your statements could be made about every state.
Be strong and do something about!
1. “Finish a drink and set it on the ground, and walk away“.] For every person who left a cup. Watch and count the number of people who put their cup in the proper place or took it with them. To be fair keep a written tally for least 30 days.
2. Garbage from their car missing the dumpster.
A} Set an example pick the bag up yourself. The next time you see your neighbor say something like “Hey I know you were in a hurry the other day and didn’t see the bag fall on the ground but I picked it up,”
B} Or Take down their license plate number, car model, color, date, time and report them in writing to the management.
C} Or report the dumpster to local Oklahoma Health Department If, the dumpster lid is open or will not close report it to the Oklahoma Health Department. [there are laws about lids being open in every state] Ask about the steps they take and time period. Report it as many times as you find it open.. No one not even you will throw bags.
D} Count the number of people you see who put their trash in the proper place or missed the dumpster. Keep a written tally for least 30 days. If, you count all bags on the ground without seeing it happen be fair and count all bags in the dumpster.
E} None of the above. Move to a better neighborhood.
3. 80 miles an hour and tailgating
A} For this to happen you are admitting to speeding at 80 but not willing to go faster. Pull over and drive safely so your students have a teacher ever day. This remark to peers, your students or parents would show some people you are reckless, not rational or responsible enough be a teacher.
B} You could if you have a cell phone call 911 and report the person for reckless driving. They will do something about reckless driving.
4. Class room clean before you began
A} It depends on the age of the students or when you began. Morning, No, the janitor needs to be reported for not doing his or her job. Afternoon, Yes young children should be told. in a loving friendly manner. It will help with their training. College age students with Financial Aid paid with Oklahoma tax payers money no.
5. Christian Place
A} Understanding when in Rome do as the Romans:
B} In the some southern states if you want a plumber , cleaners, apartment, or car and ask a friends advice. The replay will be they are good Christian people. They are not talking about religion. It is a very unique way of saying they are good, honest, and respectable people. Fees will be fair and they can be trusted to do the best for you.
B} Bible Belt State: Not everyone there goes to church.
7. I am new here, I looking for pictures. I was hoping they had a picture of Castle and the old windmill. Or the downtown Allen or the Allen Cemetery. After looking at all 197 posts. The people are are nice, giving, and very talented people. Some of these people are the same ones who replayed to your post.
8. Source
I too have lived up and down the west cost, PA, traveled the east cost for a year, lived in East Texas and owned a home and two business. We drove to Huston, Austin or Tennessee on week-ends and camped out. I spent summers in Oklahoma as a child. The last time I was in Oklahoma was 2006. We drove from California. We stayed in nice motels for two months and drove all over the state of Oklahoma. I was never in Germany or DC. My only experience is my cousin who is a Master Sergeant took his wife, and children to Germany. They stayed on the base for three years while he was out and about serving our county. I sent him love packages. My other cousin a Colonel had the day off when the Pentagon was attacked. He didn’t make Colonel until last year. I am not a rich person. I worked hard all my life.
9. It is odd how people who have two eyes see the same thing and view it in so many different ways. I don't see what you see in Oklahoma or the people the way you do.

A} For this to happen you are admitting to speeding at 80 but not willing to go faster.

LOL! I don't have a dog in this discussion (just reading through some of the posts), but I have to admit that I was thinking the same thing when I read the OP's opening comments.

[okcpulse]

Unfortunately these days the term 'Bible Belt State' is being used so loosely that it no longer has a solid definition. It's an exagerration at best, and is now used in a derogatory context.

We are a sunbelt state. It's a more accurate description. The term 'Bible Belt' gives America one more excuse to continue its prejudice. I swear, if it isn't race, its religion, or lifestyle. $hit, America stereotypes right down to the ZIP code.

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by SeabeeBolt

[b]

Will you settle for MK and Synopsis?

SeabeeBolt. are you back for revenge?.......

[tookey]

Wow I don't know where to begin. Apparently you have alot of anger toward Okla. Instead of venting about how horrible we are why aren't you directing that anger elsewhere like correcting the problems instead of venting. First of all I agree some of the drivers can be exasperating but please tell me what state does not have bad drivers? I am a christian and I pray everytime I get into the car "God please get me there safely and please give me the strength to refrain from beating the crap out of someone because of their bad driving". Instead of getting your blood pressure up when you see someone leave their drink cup behind try throwing it away yourself, you will feel so good that you did something for the landscape. About Oklahomans putting on airs, ask yourself this do you go out of your way to befriend anyone or does your sad attitude prevent that? Granted there are in some instances that cliques exist but for the most part there are some wonderful, kind people here although you might have to come jump off that self imposed throne and come out of that ivory tower to find them but believe me we are out here. Granted the crime situation has gotten bad but it is not always that way we are just experiencing some bad times here, now pray tell can you enlighten me as to which city or small town does not have any crime at all. Also if you feel the cops are dogging you then perhaps you are doing something you shouldn't. I think you will find that it is people like you that bring in an atttitude and put on airs instead of the rest of us. May I make a suggestion? You say you will be leaving in a few years let me say this first don't let the door hit you on the way out. Also perhaps you could find a deserted island somewhere that you could land on and you could set up your own euphoric environment.

[knightmare]

nomad57 said (about cops & deputies) "These are all criticisms I could make about many places in the USA...." Very true. My dad was military and so was my ex-husband so I have lived literally from coast to coast and border to border in my 60 years -and- I agree with these observations and the fact that is a country-wide problem. Also, as both a paramedic and as an intake and assessment worker for juvenile justice, I have worked with (and around) law enforcement officers (LEO) for about 15 years over the last 25. I have noticed gradual changes in behavior over the years. I DO believe that people in general are allowing themselves to be influenced too much by movies and TV - ie - some people in all age groups and walks of life do not understand that costumes are just that - costumes - they are OK on stage or on the screen but not on the street as everyday-wear -and- in the same way, LEO's (especially the younger ones, in my experience) all want to be on SWAT teams. Right now I live in a community of about 20,000 people and my opinion is that some of these young LEO's need to spend about 5 years in NewYork, Chicago, L.A., Miami or some other high crime area to get all their need for adrenalin rushes worked out before settling down to family in quieter towns. (example: a teenage boy from an even smaller community was sitting in his older brother's car with his pre-teen brother in the passenger seat talking to a girl he knew who was standing outside the car talking to them. Shortly after a routine patrol drove by, 4 units converged on them like a scene out of a swat movie, handcuffed both boys, searched the boys and the car, called in a K-9 unit all so they could find 2 cigarettes in a pack belonging to the older brother. When the older brother arrived on scene to get his car, he told LEO that those were his cigarettes but they still arrested the driver for possession. These "boys" (the LEO) are obviously bored and need something more exciting to do than harrass teenagers.

On the other issue - when my mom was still alive we went on a trip from Kansas to Florida (3 of us were driving). We did not realize what was happening until on our way back when we left a motel early to get a jump on the heat of the day and stopped about 11am for breakfast in a village along the road. We sat down off by ourselves but pretty soon a man at the cafe counter ask us where we were heading. Soon, we were talking about cattle and farming and horses and such with the 5 or 6 patrons that were there and as other patrons arrived, we were introduced to the newcomers who then joined the discussions. My mom half-way stood up at one point and said "Wait! - where are we?" One of the patrons told us the name of the little town and my mother said "N0 - what state are we in?" A patron said "Oklahoma." And my mother then exclaimed "Thank God we are out of the land of supposed Southern Hospitality and back to the friendly west." We had not realized it, but all 3 of us who were travelling together had become increasingly reclusive within our group because of the unfriendliness of the people as we travelled East and South. Yes, this was back in the late 60's with all the problems those states were having, but the openness and friendliness of the Oklahoma people broke through our shell and drew us into their conversations. I have horse showed and traveled through Oklahoma for many years and I plan to semi-retire to a friendly place next year: Oklahoma!!

[mkfarnam]

[quote=knightmare;9712036]nomad57 said (about cops & deputies) "These are all criticisms I could make about many places in the USA...." Very true. My dad was military and so was my ex-husband so I have lived literally from coast to coast and border to border in my 60 years -and- I agree with these observations and the fact that is a country-wide problem. Also, as both a paramedic and as an intake and assessment worker for juvenile justice, I have worked with (and around) law enforcement officers (LEO) for about 15 years over the last 25. I have noticed gradual changes in behavior over the years. I DO believe that people in general are allowing themselves to be influenced too much by movies and TV - ie - some people in all age groups and walks of life do not understand that costumes are just that - costumes - they are OK on stage or on the screen but not on the street as everyday-wear -and- in the same way, LEO's (especially the younger ones, in my experience) all want to be on SWAT teams. Right now I live in a community of about 20,000 people and my opinion is that some of these young LEO's need to spend about 5 years in NewYork, Chicago, L.A., Miami or some other high crime area to get all their need for adrenalin rushes worked out before settling down to family in quieter towns. (example: a teenage boy from an even smaller community was sitting in his older brother's car with his pre-teen brother in the passenger seat talking to a girl he knew who was standing outside the car talking to them. Shortly after a routine patrol drove by, 4 units converged on them like a scene out of a swat movie, handcuffed both boys, searched the boys and the car, called in a K-9 unit all so they could find 2 cigarettes in a pack belonging to the older brother. When the older brother arrived on scene to get his car, he told LEO that those were his cigarettes but they still arrested the driver for possession. These "boys" (the LEO) are obviously bored and need something more exciting to do than harrass teenagers.

On the other issue - when my mom was still alive we went on a trip from Kansas to Florida (3 of us were driving). We did not realize what was happening until on our way back when we left a motel early to get a jump on the heat of the day and stopped about 11am for breakfast in a village along the road. We sat down off by ourselves but pretty soon a man at the cafe counter ask us where we were heading. Soon, we were talking about cattle and farming and horses and such with the 5 or 6 patrons that were there and as other patrons arrived, we were introduced to the newcomers who then joined the discussions. My mom half-way stood up at one point and said "Wait! - where are we?" One of the patrons told us the name of the little town and my mother said "N0 - what state are we in?"

A patron said "Oklahoma." And my mother then exclaimed "Thank God we are out of the land of supposed Southern Hospitality and back to the friendly west." We had not realized it, but all 3 of us who were travelling together had become increasingly reclusive within our group because of the unfriendliness of the people as we travelled East and South. Yes, this was back in the late 60's with all the problems those states were having, but the openness and friendliness of the Oklahoma people broke through our shell and drew us into their conversations. I have horse showed and traveled through Oklahoma for many years and I plan to semi-retire to a friendly place next year: Oklahoma!![/

QUOTE]

I moved to OK, 2 years ago and they're still exactly like that...

I think it takes a certain type of Love and Spirit in a person, and if you don't have it, Ok, is not for you.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

[quote=mkfarnam;9713168]

Originally Posted by knightmare

nomad57 said (about cops & deputies) "These are all criticisms I could make about many places in the USA...." Very true. My dad was military and so was my ex-husband so I have lived literally from coast to coast and border to border in my 60 years -and- I agree with these observations and the fact that is a country-wide problem. Also, as both a paramedic and as an intake and assessment worker for juvenile justice, I have worked with (and around) law enforcement officers (LEO) for about 15 years over the last 25. I have noticed gradual changes in behavior over the years. I DO believe that people in general are allowing themselves to be influenced too much by movies and TV - ie - some people in all age groups and walks of life do not understand that costumes are just that - costumes - they are OK on stage or on the screen but not on the street as everyday-wear -and- in the same way, LEO's (especially the younger ones, in my experience) all want to be on SWAT teams. Right now I live in a community of about 20,000 people and my opinion is that some of these young LEO's need to spend about 5 years in NewYork, Chicago, L.A., Miami or some other high crime area to get all their need for adrenalin rushes worked out before settling down to family in quieter towns. (example: a teenage boy from an even smaller community was sitting in his older brother's car with his pre-teen brother in the passenger seat talking to a girl he knew who was standing outside the car talking to them. Shortly after a routine patrol drove by, 4 units converged on them like a scene out of a swat movie, handcuffed both boys, searched the boys and the car, called in a K-9 unit all so they could find 2 cigarettes in a pack belonging to the older brother. When the older brother arrived on scene to get his car, he told LEO that those were his cigarettes but they still arrested the driver for possession. These "boys" (the LEO) are obviously bored and need something more exciting to do than harrass teenagers.

On the other issue - when my mom was still alive we went on a trip from Kansas to Florida (3 of us were driving). We did not realize what was happening until on our way back when we left a motel early to get a jump on the heat of the day and stopped about 11am for breakfast in a village along the road. We sat down off by ourselves but pretty soon a man at the cafe counter ask us where we were heading. Soon, we were talking about cattle and farming and horses and such with the 5 or 6 patrons that were there and as other patrons arrived, we were introduced to the newcomers who then joined the discussions. My mom half-way stood up at one point and said "Wait! - where are we?" One of the patrons told us the name of the little town and my mother said "N0 - what state are we in?" QUOTE]

I moved to OK, 2 years ago and they're still exactly like that...

I think it takes a certain type of Love and Spirit in a person, and if you don't have it, Ok, is not for you.

>>>>>
I think it takes a certain type of Love and Spirit in a person, and if you don't have it, Ok, is not for you.
<<<<<

That's a pretty darn good definition of what being an Okie is all about.

[educator1953]

I don't post too often. I lurk, you might say, and read a lot of posts. I think I'm a lot like Mr. Goodpasture--I keep to myself, and I don't want a lot of people knowing how good it is here in Oklahoma. However, I have to comment on this "friendliness" issue regarding Oklahomans.

Last week, my daughter needed my help with a few things, so I went to her home in Edmond. While she was at work, she wanted me to look for her a
new apartment because she was considering moving from hers since her lease was up, and she wanted something closer to her place of work. I started driving around the area close to her workplace, and when I saw an apartment complex or a duplex that I thought she might be interested in, I just got out of the car and walked up to someone's door and inquired about the facilities. (Now, would I do this in other parts of the U.S.? No, but I've lived in Oklahoma all my life, and I knew the area, and I figured I would be okay. Also, I know how friendly and helpful most Okies are.)

I have to say that everyone I talked with was so nice and helpful--everyone from the maintenance man at an apartment building to the young college girl I talked to at another place, to the young mother in one of the duplex neighborhoods. (When I could find an apartment manager, he/she was very helpful and courteous, too.) They gave me all the information I needed and even told me how much their rent was--all to help out a stranger that appeared on their doorstep. I was quite impressed with the people of Edmond, and I think they are good representatives for our state. (As are most people in other Oklahoma towns.)

I don't want to let this secret out, (sorry, Mr. GP) but I think most all Oklahomans are pretty good people and would help out if they see that someone needs help, or if a person were to ask them kindly (like I did) for help. Edmond people made a good impression on me.....as do most Okies.

Now......keep it quiet!!! Don't tell the rest of the country.

[_redbird_]

Originally Posted by educator1953

I don't post too often. I lurk, you might say, and read a lot of posts. I think I'm a lot like Mr. Goodpasture--I keep to myself, and I don't want a lot of people knowing how good it is here in Oklahoma.
Now......keep it quiet!!! Don't tell the rest of the country.

Oh no! Two curmudgeons??!! Excellent post as usual, educator.

[Choctaw2]

I am not unhappy with where I live in NM but I would love to be where you are Wyllow61. It has been a life long (very long) dream of mine to go back to Oklahoma to live the rest of my days out in the Shawnee area. A place I think of as home.

Maybe you should reach out to those around you. Take a few baby steps to making wonderful friends. Criticizing is not the way to do it.