( DigitalJournal ) - Imagine collecting signatures for an important petition being a crime. Welcome to Oklahoma! Where apparently, it is a crime, and ordinary citizens should be scared for their rights.
Downsize DC reports that according to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News, Oklahoma has the worst ballot access laws in the country. Groups like the Libertarian Party and the Green Party are trying to change that.
But there is a problem. Oklahoma's most powerful political figures, like state Attorney General Drew Edmondson, are trying to make things worse for citizen activists.
Paul Jacob is a long-time, prominent Term Limits Advocate, who is now under indictment.
He didn't steal or lie or kill. He recruited petitioners to collect signatures for a ballot initiative proposal called TABOR which limits how much the state government budget can grow from year to year.
Paul Jacob said:
"I happen to believe people ought to be free and the way to keep people free is to keep people in charge of politicians rather than the other way around."
This is an important story to keep track of people. Whether you are in Oklahoma or not. How can they justify this?
Too many incidents like this are happening. Be scared. Be watchful.