By John F. Greening

2011 UNITED NATIONS DAY PROCLAMATION

Whereas, the United Nations was founded in 1945, and the anniversary of the day on which the UN Charter came into force is observed each year on October 24; and

Whereas, the United Nations promotes peace and security, development, democracy, economic prosperity, global health and human rights around the world, and is vital now more than ever; and

Whereas the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is helping to create the conditions for peace in that country where soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard are currently deployed; and

Whereas America's first woman ambassador to the United Nations was Jeane Kirkpatrick, a daughter of our state; and

Whereas Ambassador Kirkpatrick was a staunch champion of the United Nations, reminding us of the "sound principles of law and the hope, however qualified, for the greater world stability that is expressed in the UN Charter;" and

Whereas, Oklahomans widely acknowledge and recognize the importance of the United Nations and its benefit to America and the world; and

Whereas the members of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) are working to highlight and celebrate the UN's positive role in encouraging a free, secure, equal and prosperous world for all; and

Whereas, the UNA-USA and United Nations Foundation have declared "The United Nations: In Everyone's Interest" as the theme for all 2011 United Nations Day commemorations; and

Whereas, the members of the Greater Oklahoma City and Eastern Oklahoma chapters of UNA-USA have agreed to organize events and activities to educate citizens about the continuing need for the United Nations, and the importance of undertaking efforts on the local and international levels to promote global cooperative initiatives toward a more healthy and sustainable world; and

Whereas, the citizens of Oklahoma should welcome the opportunity to participate in all activities related to UN Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mary Fallin officially proclaim October 24, 2011 as

"UNITED NATIONS DAY"

in the State of Oklahoma

As a life-long Republican and long-time Oklahoma resident, I have for years tried to find some reason to believe in Governor Fallin's claims of conservatism, and been repeatedly disappointed. I had a problem with this proclamation. So, as a good, concerned citizen, I called to governor's office to express my convictions on the matter.

I was greeted by a pleasant female voice when I called, and I said, "I'm John Greening, a life-long Republican, and I'm calling to express my extreme disappointment in the governor's recent United Nations Day proclamation. The governor campaigned on a platform of states' rights and adherence to the US Constitution, and the UN seeks to nullify both of those."

The pleasant female voice said with a slight chuckle, "Oh yes, that. I'm afraid that's all my fault. I didn't realize it was against the Republicans, and I was just following the standard set by the two previous governors."

"Against the Republicans?" I asked in stunned disbelief, then continued, "No ma'am, this isn't just against the Republicans. It's against all Oklahomans and in fact, all Americans."

She excused herself to answer another line, and returned momentarily. When she returned, she continued, "Well, it's my fault. The two previous governors have issued similar proclamations, and I was just following their lead. I had no idea it was against the Republicans, or the Republican mind set."

I reiterated, "Ma'am, this isn't just against "the Republicans,' it's patently un-American."

"How is it un-American?" she asked, then excused herself to answer the other line again. She returned momentarily, and asked again how it was un-American.

"Ma'am, the UN is an inherently evil organization…," I started.

"Oh, now, I don't think it's evil," she interjected, "They do a lot of good in the world."

I continued, "Oh yes, it inherently evil. The UN is dedicated to nothing but the erosion of national sovereignty and the abolition of the free enterprise system. It seeks to replace the free market with socialism and make all nations and national constitutions subservient to the UN Charter. How can any organization with such objectives be considered anything but evil?"

She excused herself to answer another line again. When she returned, she reiterated, "Well, I'm very sorry. I didn't realize Republicans would react so strongly against the proclamation. It's my fault, I wrote it, and I take full responsibility."

I ended the phone call by stating that I was very disappointed, but not very surprised. After hanging up, I realized I had not even gotten the name of the lady with whom I was speaking.

However, the question remains, what exactly is going on in the Governor's Office? Does she blindly sign every document one of her staff places under her nose? Does she even understand the UN threat to National Sovereignty and States' Rights? Does she even understand the Constitution and the 10th Amendment? Does she even believe in these principles?

One thing is for certain, the label "conservative" apparently doesn't mean what it used to.