What do you not like about OKC and what do you think could be better?

[Bellaboo]

My 91 year old mom always quotes, 'If you're bored, then your boring, so get up off your duff and do something'. I think a lot of the complaining here comes from this scenario. Don't wait for something cool to happen, do what you can to make it happen. rant off.

[Bellaboo]

I wish people here (the majority populace) were more creative. They're just not. It impacts the design of buildings, the look of neighborhoods, the dated interiors of brand new houses, the way things are laid out, the type of businesses we have, the type of businesses we don't have, the types of job opportunities there are, the recreational activities available, the food, the types of hobbies people are into... Really it's a problem with tentacles into almost every facet of life here.

Also, this city is overrun with government workers. It feels about as bad as DC. I tend to think this and the creativity problem are inter related.

Not sure if it's still this way, but back in the '70's, Denver Colorado was know as 'Washington DC West', due to the fact they had more government workers than any state west of the Mississippi.
I wonder if they feel the same way ?

[gamecock]

I don't like this . . .

The six states where you can?t buy alcohol today - The Washington Post

[zookeeper]

I wish people here (the majority populace) were more creative. They're just not. It impacts the design of buildings, the look of neighborhoods, the dated interiors of brand new houses, the way things are laid out, the type of businesses we have, the type of businesses we don't have, the types of job opportunities there are, the recreational activities available, the food, the types of hobbies people are into... Really it's a problem with tentacles into almost every facet of life here.

Also, this city is overrun with government workers. It feels about as bad as DC. I tend to think this and the creativity problem are inter related.

I agree. Lately, there's been a lot of talk about the numbers of federal workers in Oklahoma City, tied to Tinker, FAA, and supporting industry. But it's also the state capital with its huge bureaucracy of workers, and then of course, we're a big city with many municipal workers, and the county seat to boot. So when you add up those who depend on a living from the federal, state, and city and county governments - it's substantial.

I think I've seen a creative shift though. You see more young professionals that are staying here (even coming here!) and that helps the creativity.

I wish we had more jobs for those with an education in the liberal arts. It would bring more intellectual heft to the city. We need more readers, lectures to attend, thinking conversation that goes further than OU football, the Thunder, and the oil and gas industry. Nothing against those interests, I like a good sports conversation, but it's almost our collective interest that excludes as "snooty" intellectual activities, hangouts, etc. I've never been in a city that reads so little and is less interested in self-learning. No open universities, few outlets for the humanities, and these are a class of people I'd like to see Oklahoma City attract. Many times these people intersect with creatives, so there's hope for more of this.

Oklahoma City has lots of shortcomings, but so does every other city. The Grass is Always Greener is true just about everywhere. By & large, I don't just "tolerate" this city - I like it!

[bchris02]

Extreme conservatism and anti-intellectualism go hand-in-hand. It also drives away the creative class leading to the issue with creativity somebody posted about above. That is why OKC is the way it is. Zookeeper is right, it's so incredibly difficult to find somebody in this town to have a conversation with about something other than sports, Christianity, conservative politics, etc. Nothing wrong with those things but I too have noticed how so many people here consider intellectual topics as being "snooty" or "elitist."

I am sure the "Grass is always greener" attitude shows up everywhere, especially among young people who want to get out and experience the world. However, OKC can be challenging if you're not a specific type of person. This town isn't for everyone and if somebody doesn't like it here, you can't immediately jump to the conclusion that it's a problem with that person.

My father could never be happy in a big city. He has lived in them but prefers small towns and rural areas. That is simply his preference. That's not my preference, but that's okay because we are all unique.

[Bunty]

I don't like this . . .

The six states where you can?t buy alcohol today - The Washington Post

Then ask who's running for legislator, if he or she is willing to act to repeal remaining state wide prohibitive laws on alcohol. Its quite an ordeal to resort to a petition to try to do it. However, it's about as likely to happen as repealing the law that bans sales of cars on Sunday. It's a time honored custom or tradition that most people don't seem very willing to let go of, or do anything about.

[BlackmoreRulz]

I hear all of these complaints about the political climate in this state but there was a blurb on the radio the other day that said that there were more registered Democrats in this state than Republican's. Why is it that the conservatives dominate our legislature if this is true? With government workers supposedly dominating our economy, wouldn't these people be compelled to vote for the big governments candidates? I see all of this gnashing of teeth digitally, but see nothing publicly of anyone trying to change it?

[KenRagsdale]

Then ask who's running for legislator, if he or she is willing to act to repeal remaining state wide prohibitive laws on alcohol. Its quite an ordeal to resort to a petition to try to do it. However, it's about as likely to happen as repealing the law that bans sales of cars on Sunday. It's a time honored custom or tradition that most people don't seem very willing to let go of, or do anything about.

The retail liquor store owners' lobby does not want it, and there are package store owners in a large number of legislative districts, if not all. They prefer the time-off.

[bchris02]

The retail liquor store owners' lobby does not want it, and there are package store owners in a large number of legislative districts, if not all. They prefer the time-off.

Everything cannot be blamed on a mythical "liquor lobby." The real reason the liquor laws don't get changed in this state is apathy. Though I am sure real liquor law reform would likely pass if it ended up on the ballot, most people here simply accept things as they are because that's the way they always have been. On top of that, you have religious groups and MADD groups fighting hard to keep any kind of reform from happening. Only a small portion of those who would vote for reform are passionate enough about it to raise a voice. I am not real confident about any kind of liquor law reform happening in Oklahoma within the next 15 years at least.

[catch22]

Until we get more progressive lawmakers, don't expect many changes to our freedom to purchase alcohol outside of strict hours set by the conservative government.

[Plutonic Panda]

Whatever happened to that petition that was supposed to filed this year regarding modernized liquor laws?

[gjl]

Is it really that hard to buy your alcohol the day before? Or two days before. Or a week before?

[Jersey Boss]

Question: Are liquor stores mandated to be open all legal hours or do the owners have the leeway to open later/close earlier?

[catch22]

Is it really that hard to buy your alcohol the day before? Or two days before. Or a week before?

If I'm going to consume it on the 4th of July, or any Sunday anyway. Why do I have to buy it before?

What if I run out during my event, and need to send someone who is sober to go retrieve more Devil's Nectar from the Devil's Liquor cabinet?

[Plutonic Panda]

Is it really that hard to buy your alcohol the day before? Or two days before. Or a week before?

No offense, but it's exactly that sort of thinking that hinders progress.

To answer your question, it is no. The same could be said for cigarettes, or really any other food item. Is it really that hard to buy anything the day before or after? The answer is no. The freedom is priceless.

[progressiveboy]

As a former OK Cityan, OKC has made some great strides as far as improving the overall quality of life with new attractions, along with making it a more liveable city. The biggest gripe I have is how poor the roads are in OKC. They really need to pave the roads with concrete because in the long term, it last way longer than asphalt. Too much trash blowing around because of OKC incessant winds. The city needs to plant more trees and landscaping. "Spruce" up your city! Too many dilapidated buildings and run down areas. OKC is slowly cleaning up, however, it still needs to step up to the plate. OKC has the potential to become a great place to live, however, it's residents have the final say in how and what type of OKC will become in the future??

[gjl]

If I'm going to consume it on the 4th of July, or any Sunday anyway. Why do I have to buy it before?

What if I run out during my event, and need to send someone who is sober to go retrieve more Devil's Nectar from the Devil's Liquor cabinet?

No offense, but it's exactly that sort of thinking that hinders progress.

To answer your question, it is no. The same could be said for cigarettes, or really any other food item. Is it really that hard to buy anything the day before or after? The answer is no. The freedom is priceless.

Well sometimes I want breakfast at McDonalds after 10:30. Or Chic-fil-a on a Sunday. But you know what? I can't buy it. So you can't buy products at a liquor store on a Sunday or Holiday? Deal with it. I'd hardly call being able to do that progress. It's really unbelievable what some people fret about.

[Plutonic Panda]

Well sometimes I want breakfast at McDonalds after 10:30. Or Chic-fil-a on a Sunday. But you know what? I can't buy it. So you can't buy products at a liquor store on a Sunday or Holiday? Deal with it. I'd hardly call being able to do that progress. It's really unbelievable what some people fret about.

Well, you have your thinking and I have mine. I'd rather advocate for change rather that just accepting it.

[Bunty]

The retail liquor store owners' lobby does not want it, and there are package store owners in a large number of legislative districts, if not all. They prefer the time-off.

Have you heard that 2nd hand, or did actual liquor store owners, managers or clerks told you that?

[ljbab728]

Nothing wrong with those things but I too have noticed how so many people here consider intellectual topics as being "snooty" or "elitist."

That statement astonishes me. I have lived in the OKC area all of my life (and I'm much older than you are) and I've never noticed people who considered intellectual topics as being "snooty" or "elitist". Granted not everyone is interested in that kind of discussion but I don't see anyone judging those who are.

[tfvc.org]

I hear all of these complaints about the political climate in this state but there was a blurb on the radio the other day that said that there were more registered Democrats in this state than Republican's. Why is it that the conservatives dominate our legislature if this is true? With government workers supposedly dominating our economy, wouldn't these people be compelled to vote for the big governments candidates? I see all of this gnashing of teeth digitally, but see nothing publicly of anyone trying to change it?

I think a lot of it has to do with gerrymandering and the Democrats don't realize they are the majority, so they don't bother voting. We feel like we have to be in hiding being around a lot of vocal conservatives. I feel the same way with atheists. There are a lot of them in Oklahoma but they are in the closet.

[adaniel]

That statement astonishes me. I have lived in the OKC area all of my life (and I'm much older than you are) and I've never noticed people who considered intellectual topics as being "snooty" or "elitist". Granted not everyone is interested in that kind of discussion but I don't see anyone judging those who are.

I just took a trip on the east coast. Hit up Philly, NYC, Long Island, and Boston over the course of a week. The biggest thing that struck out to me was when I was in Boston. A place that is supposedly super educated and high brow. And on paper, it is.

The only thing anybody wanted to talk about was the Patriots/Red Sox/Bruins, how terrible Tom Brady/Kevin Garnett are, how crappy their previous winter was, and how drunk they were going to get when they went to "the shore." This, from a place that bills itself the "Athens of America." Oh, and they LOVE to throw around "f***" like its going out of style.

If you want to discuss how this area needs more educated citizenry, well that's one thing. But in my 9 years I honestly NEVER had anyone tell me or suggest to me that my conversations were snooty or elitist. And if they did WHO CARES? Talk about what you want to talk about and stop worrying about what others think. Maybe it was just the crowd I hung out with, but my friends and I would engage in some serious thought provoking discussions on politics, race, international affairs, etc. Of course it could have just been the booze.

But this notion that people in OKC are such simpletons they can't hold a conversation beyond what Kevin Durant or Bob Stoops is doing (and that this is somehow completely different compared to the rest of the nation) is in of itself quite insulting. This thread is really going downhill.

[Plutonic Panda]

I just took a trip on the east coast. Hit up Philly, NYC, Long Island, and Boston over the course of a week. The biggest thing that struck out to me was when I was in Boston. A place that is supposedly super educated and high brow. And on paper, it is.

The only thing anybody wanted to talk about was the Patriots/Red Sox/Bruins, how terrible Tom Brady/Kevin Garnett are, how crappy their previous winter was, and how drunk they were going to get when they went to "the shore." This, from a place that bills itself the "Athens of America." Oh, and they LOVE to throw around "f***" like its going out of style.

If you want to discuss how this area needs more educated citizenry, well that's one thing. But in my 9 years I honestly NEVER had anyone tell me or suggest to me that my conversations were snooty or elitist. And if they did WHO CARES? Talk about what you want to talk about and stop worrying about what others think. Maybe it was just the crowd I hung out with, but my friends and I would engage in some serious thought provoking discussions on politics, race, international affairs, etc. Of course it could have just been the booze.

But this notion that people in OKC are such simpletons they can't hold a conversation beyond what Kevin Durant or Bob Stoops is doing (and that this is somehow completely different compared to the rest of the nation) is in of itself quite insulting. This thread is really going downhill.

To be fair though, who really wants to talk about academics with friends? Generally when you talk with people, it's about things you like and enjoy. Most people enjoy sports, obviously most here like and care about the city and its development, and earthquakes are the 'thing' to be discussing.

You could literally walk into a random conversation and be all like ''earthquake... oklahoma.. 2014... fracturing" and BOOOOOM, you've set off the dynamite.

[ljbab728]

To be fair though, who really wants to talk about academics with friends? Generally when you talk with people, it's about things you like and enjoy. Most people enjoy sports, obviously most here like and care about the city and its development, and earthquakes are the 'thing' to be discussing.

You could literally walk into a random conversation and be all like ''earthquake... oklahoma.. 2014... fracturing" and BOOOOOM, you've set off the dynamite.

I think that was exactly the point that adaniel was making. Not many people normally sit around having "intellectual" conversations with their friends or acquaintances and OKC is not any different than any city in that respect.

[Plutonic Panda]

I think that was exactly the point that adaniel was making. Not many people normally sit around having "intellectual" conversations with their friends or acquaintances and OKC is not any different than any city in that respect.

took me twice to read that to understand it.. thanks