Oklahoma Property Rights

Last week, I was feeling silly.  This week, I'm not at all.  (Well, if you don't count the selfie I did on fb... Kiddoes think I went bonkers for a bit.  LOL)

We received two political contacts last week that really wound me up.  One was a phone call about Oklahoma land and water rights. The other was a postcard regarding the Oklahoma tax breaks for wind power.

Personally, I'd like to enjoy my little corner of the world without worrying about politics and propaganda.  We don't have TV programing and seldom have the radio on because I can't handle being inundated with the awfulness of the world I'm trying to prepare my Blessings for.  Lately, as I'm sure you know, that is becoming harder and harder.  I have not been sitting idly by while the world is going to pot, but I realize my most important role in it is raising and preparing responsible citizens to step up and do whatever the Lord calls them to do in it.

First - The call.  Poor feller.  I feel bad for the guy assigned to me.  The questions he had which offered me to explain and comment had his poor fingers flying with information, facts, history and of course, my personal opinion of the situation.

• My final comment - Whoever owns the land, should make the decisions about what happens to the water &/or minerals in it.  If the Native American tribes in OK want to sell water to TX, fine with me.  It is NEVER, EVER the government's (local, state or fed) place to tell us what to do with our land.  Let the landowner(s), whoever that is decide.  ...AND...  What business is it of Oklahomans what California does? P.S. Just don't turn around and expect me to pay for your diapers, medical expenses, education....
  
• Some of the questions were infuriating because there were only two possible answers and no option to comment.  I was forced to give answers that weren't completely within my beliefs or knowledge base.  Fortunately I was allowed to let him know when I wasn't familiar with a subject; for instance, the politics of the various Native American Nations.  I totally believe they have the right to govern themselves without my interference as long as it doesn't interfere with our US Constitution. (I could get on a big, tall soap-box here, but I'll save it for another day.)

Second - The postcard.  It's a good thing I am a Christian Lady or the neighbors might have wanted to 'bleep,bleep' me when I read it.  Wow.  The misinformation, misdirection, & 1/2 truths astound me.  I almost couldn't believe they really thought anyone would take it seriously; then I remembered, they actually seem to take themselves seriously.

1. The #'s were written in a way to purposely mislead people into believing the wind-farms taking over our countryside are benefiting the communities, specifically the schools.
   
2. The truth is, they pay far less in taxes than the oil companies and main power companies DONATE to the schools.  The numbers are right there in black and white, it just takes a bit of algebra to figure the percentage.  Since most people won't even consider questioning, much less taking time to figure it themselves, most will swallow it hook, line, and sinker.  VERY sad.
   
3. The testimonials were from government employees.  Of course they're going to be for this, they get paid by taxes, so they always support more...  Sad thing is, they are shooting themselves in the foot by supporting such fluff.  Again, they get far more from real businesses.
   
4. The electricity these turbines supposedly generate does not stay in Oklahoma.  If anything, it's a strain on our grid.  (Hence why we are trying to get off said grid... Topic for another day...)
   
5. The postcard STARTS with "Oklahoma's wind industry is under attack by anti-business development and anti-property rights activists..." WHAT???  We own property here.  We have a business here.  Give us tax breaks to develop our business so we can hire employees and donate to schools.  (Rrrrrr!)
6. The local town has two 2MW (megawatt) generators that run a population of about 1200 and take up the space of about 10,000 square feet.  ONE wind turbine, also rated at 2MW demands control of a land area of 120 ACRES.  By control, landowners can't plant trees, build fence, build a building or home, or even move in a mobile home and if you don't watch the contract, you won't even have the right to the water on that land anymore...  Originally, they even wanted the landowner to pay the property tax on the turbine itself, but our neighbors were at least smarter than that...
7. I HATE the wind generators.  Personal opinion here.  If you want one at your home, build one.  I've seen some cute ones next to homes.  They are around 60 feet high. THESE monstrosities here are 300 feet high!!!  They are ruining the beautiful countryside.  The cement is about 14 foot deep and around 50 feet in diameter. The oil wells out here only take up about 2 acres and are less than 20 feet high.
8. Most of the neighbors who are selling out to wind-farms don't live on the land. Thanks neighbors!

My rant for the week.  I hope you had a better week.  I am now taking my frustration out on the house.  I'm rearranging, cleaning, & will soon be painting the kitchen.  I will also catch that nasty little mouse who keeps showing up!

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My favorites from last week. Please pray as these families try to supplement (or supply) income through garden and homestead.

Gypsy Road School has been experimenting with AeroGarden light system (to start seeds) and raised bed gardening.  "Remember when using raised beds that they need to be watered more frequently, since the roots won't reach into the ground water!"

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