The Truth Behind Former Governor Resignation From Oklahoma Council Of Public Affairs (OCPA)
Former Governor Keating Resigned from OCPA: An Overview of the Group's Questionable Tactics and Smears Since His Departure. Learn why honest debate is essential for our democracy.
Author:Hajra ShannonReviewer:Paula M. GrahamFeb 13, 202325 Shares1.1K Views
It's been two years since former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating resigned from the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA)board. While many may not be familiar with the organization, they may recognize some of the tactics it has employed.
The resignation highlighted a significant issue with OCPA: Its refusal to engage in honest disagreement with others and its reliance on smears and questionable tactics instead.
Below, we’ll dive into what led to Keating's resignation from OCPA, and how OCPA continues to engage in these same tactics today. We’ll also look at why people should care about what’s happening in this controversial, group.
Background
Oklahoma Council of Public Affairsis a conservative think tank based in Oklahoma City. It was founded in 1993 by a small group of donors with the express intention of advancing their conservative agenda.
Since then, OCPA has become a {voice for far-right conservatives} and beyond. However, it has also developed a reputation for using questionable tactics to push its agenda, including personal attacks on opponents and false claims about others' positions or beliefs.
Keating Resignation from OCPA
Former Governor Frank Keating publicly resignedfrom his post as chairman of OCPA's board of directors - due to what he saw as its lack of commitment to open discussion and honest debate.
In particular, Keating cited OCPA's refusal to engage with those who disagreed with them and their use of smears and false claims to discredit opponents.
Keating's departure was seen as a significant blow to OCPA, indicating that the organization's tactics were unacceptable. Since then, however, there has been little indication that OCPA is willing to change its approach.
OCPA Tactics Today
In the years since Keating resigned from the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, it has become increasingly clear that the organization still engages in questionable tactics and smears instead of honest debate.
They continue to attack those who disagree with them or challenge their views; for instance, in 2018, they ran a series of misleading ads attacking State Question 805, which sought reforms to Oklahoma's criminal justice system.
OCPA has also been accused of using false or misleading information to discredit opponents. For example, in 2019, they produced a report criticizing Medicaid expansionthat made numerous inaccurate claims and was widely denounced by medical professionals.
Moving Forward with Open Discussion and Honest Debate in Oklahoma Politics
The resignation of former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating from OCPA sent a strong message: That the organization's tactics were unacceptable and needed to change.
Unfortunately, OCPA has chosen to continue down the same path, relying on smears and questionable tacticsinstead of engaging in honest debate. As a result, their influence in Oklahoma politics remains as controversial as ever.
It's up to each individual to determine whether or not they're willing to support an organization like OCPA, given its approach. However, it's essential to be aware of their tactics and how they can potentially impact public discourse.
After all, honest debate and open dialogue are critical components of any healthy democracy – something that OCPAseems unwilling to accept. By staying informed and speaking out against these tactics, we can ensure that our voices are heard, and our democracy remains strong.
Hajra Shannon
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
Latest Articles
Popular Articles