Opinion

Victim of physical violence still wrestles with impacts

DEAR ABBY: Many years ago, I was the victim of a violent assault that my then-11-year-old daughter witnessed. It traumatized both of us, but me, the worst. I completely dove off the deep end. I started drinking and smoking pot, and quit going to church. My whole personality changed. I dumped every moment with my children I could onto my husband so I could go out with my “friends” to clubs, bars, concerts or parties. I then started having affairs with many different people, including women. My husband knew about all of it, and despite the torture and pain I put him through, he stayed with me.

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TODAY

Today is the 179th day of 2022 and the eighth day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1914, Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, sparking World War I.

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Gut instincts and a bill of goods

According to The Word Detective the phrase “a bill of goods” took on a negative connotation about a century ago. There doesn’t seem to be a definitive answer as to why this happened, but many assume it was because salespeople would make a list of promises - a bill of goods - that was never delivered.

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Educational issues that unite Oklahomans

The upcoming elections illustrate why Oklahoma educators do not vote consistently. We are simply weary of voting either for or against what’s happening in faraway places like Seattle. Lately, statewide elections seem more driven by national educational trends than by Oklahoma issues. Thankfully, Oklahoma parents and educators agree more than we disagree, so let’s consider a few ideals that may unite rather than divide us.

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Invest in our future

In the current climate of pandemic recovery and inflationary pressures, the education system is feeling the pinch (and with long-term implications). Many school districts across the state have been forced to make difficult cuts to their programing and services. Oklahoma is facing teacher shortages and, in many cases, ballooning class sizes. Music, art, foreign language, and other extracurricular programs have been, or are in danger of being, cut. Without funds for new instructional material, many children go without or are forced to rely on outdated information. Across Oklahoma, many districts have been forced to freeze or severely limit any spending on technology.

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