Opinion

Here in Oklahoma, one of the main topics of conversation is the weather, but I’d say transportation is right after that. People want to know when a road they rely on is going to be repaired, or how long before all the darn road construction is finally done.

There were eleven children in our family. I was born August 10, 1853, in West Liberty, Kentucky. I had a brother living near Thackerville in the Choctaw Nation and I, being a carpenter, decided to come to this new country.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we are reminded of our founding ideals, particularly the enduring promise of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Although America’s birthday this year comes amid economic obstacles and ever-climbing prices that are crippling Americans and threatening the pursuit of happiness, we can draw strength from the unwavering perseverance of our Founding Fathers as they overcame the obstacles in the fight to create our free nation.