When any state places all of its revenue need into one industry, it is bound to face times of extreme financial difficulty. This is occurring in Oklahoma, which is supported almost exclusively by the oil and gas industry. Although Republican Governor, Mary Fallin, has allowed unlimited Fracking in her state, the supply is exceeding the demand, and revenue from the industry is in decline.
Fallin has declared Thursday an ‘Oilfield Prayer Day.’ She invited Christians to come to the oil fields and pray for the industry with her.
“Christians are invited to thank God for the blessings” created by the industry and to “seek His wisdom and ask for protection,” the proclamation states. It also indicates that Christians believe oil and natural gas are “created by God.”
Her proclamation has been denounced by many in her state. Some want to know why the event was exclusively for Christians. Others claim that this is a violation of the Constitution; linking matters of government with religion. In my opinion, both are correct. Besides, if there is a god, does she actually believe that he or she will help the most corrupt and greedy industry in our nation. The petroleum industry has destroyed much of what they believe was created by god; the air, the water, and the soil. I don’t think so.
Fallin was forced to alter her proclamation.
“There was some question about whether it was one particular faith or another, so we just amended it to say all faiths,” Fallin said on Monday, as quoted by AP. “There are many people suffering right now who have lost their jobs in the energy sector… there are a lot of families who have been hurt, and I think prayer is always a good thing, for anyone.”
Some residents of the state responded with tweets.
“I wish our governor understood how unconstitutional it is to declare an ‘Oilfield Prayer Day.’ I also wish our governor know how to govern.” Max West
“Oilfield Prayer Day”? This is what my state’s governor concerns herself with. ‘Oilfield Prayer Day.’” Michael Ross
A movement must begin in our nation to remove the control of our government from the Christian religious right. The beliefs of one religion have no place in the issues facing our nation. Two of the biggest “hot button” issues in our country would not exist without the interference of Christian leaders; abortion and same-sex marriage.
I am one of more than 65 million Americans who reject all organized religion. I believe that I have the right to support the first amendment and demand that religions return to their expensive churches, and leave Washington alone.
If you believe in freedom and individual rights for all Americans, please repost; thank you.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 