For the past several months there has been several people who have felt the need to not believe certain things I have said on this board. I have tried the best way I know how to defend those statements, however, it appears to me I have not succeded in that mission. It has never been, nor will it ever be my intention to upset anyone.

First, let me explain the use of all caps. When I use them on a single word, it is not "yelling." It is empysis on a word. I realize the internet lingo says caps mean yelling, however, there is a gray area there... Ie: an exception.

I will also tell you when I made certain statements, they were made long before my dad died, however, they were said by him when he was ill. Also, some statements I have made that are quite factual can not be proven in part because records were destroyed several years ago. Long before the internet, therefore, you can not recover them. You may say to yourselves "but I saw the records of some Army veterans on the internet." Yes. You probably did. However, there were several records buildings in several states. It just happened to be the one my dad's records was in burned several years ago. I had forgotten this, however, I also felt it was not relevant.

My dad was not only a stock broker-dealer, he was also a real-estate investor and in the oil exploration and investment industry. Statements I have made came from his expertese and his business experience. They are facts... Not my imagination. I try to illistrate things the best way I can and that way is to rely on my dad's vast knowledge. Case in point is when I mentioned the price of oil in 1982 vs. now and the price of a gallon of gas comparing those two eras. I am trying to show why we need to complain and lobby for re-regulation. These are two examples.

My dad taught me to be a proud man. To worship the flag as if it were a God. To honor the constitution and the bill of rights. And to stand up with pride and thank those who have fought for our freedom... And are doing so now and will in the future. He also taught me to respect the people of earlier generations and to learn from their wisdom. What younger people would call life experience, which is the same thing.

Also keep in mind, his death has been very hard for me. Andy Anderson was my idol, my inspiration, my guide, my teacher, and my mentor. When he died, I really did not react as I thought. In fact, I barely shed a tear.

Yesterday, I went to the Oklahoma Historical Society to volunteer with the Citizens Academy Alumni. I went to the museum afterward and saw some things that belonged to people we knew, or things that were major parts of my childhood and my family history. As I drove home, I got upset because it reminded me of my dad and the political times we had. You see, political seasons were our football season. They were our main bonding. He taught me so much about the subject, I became an expert. You may not think so, however, it is quite true.

If I have come on too strong in your opinion, I appologize. I also ask you with all due respect to please respect my dad's memory and let him rest by not mentioning him. If I do, please just bypass it. I only wish you could have known him and listened to him speak about current events, politics and the military. Would you agree with him? Maybe, maybe not. However, a great deal of what he told me over the years, I have tried to pass to you. I hope what he predicted for the possible future of this country does not come true. However, unless we change course, I am sorry to say, it probably will.

Again. I appologize for any misunderstandings. I will let you be the judge. All I can say is it is up to you to believe what I say or not. One other request. If you do not believe it, please do not tell me. Think in reverse and make the choice.

As the late Red Skelton always said to close the show "good night and may God bless."