by Alyssa Sperrazza
Politics is known for being a messy game. This session at Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL), the election for governor and lieutenant governor turned into a complicated affair that drained people, turned friends against one another and showed a side of OIL that no one wanted. With the issue of “legal voting fraud” front and center, along with other political maneuvers, sides were taken, lines were drawn and relationships were tested.
“I’m glad that people are taking a concern in the election,” Senator Shirey said. “I’m not happy with the disrespect and the lies and the rumors that are being spread about one another. Whether or not voter fraud actually happened is beside the point. That’s what people are throwing a fit about, yes. They need to prove that point respectfully, they need to prove that point with facts; not with slander, not with lies and not with disrespect.”
Unfortunately, disrespect, slander and lies were behind most of the corrupt and unappealing actions that occurred over the past few days. While delegations are competing for their university, non-OIL issues and personal arguments were brought into the equation, causing confusion and unnecessary complications.
“I’m shocked at the point of interference that comes into session from the struggles that are happening between delegations,” Senator Shatwell said. “I’ll just be blunt; there is a massive problem with OSU and OU.”
While those two delegations are certainly in no way responsible for shouldering the entirety of the blame, OU was thrown into the middle, being that Chief Justice Maxwell is a part of the OU delegation. Delegates from OU were put into question, due to their absences and the legality of their vote was looked into.
“I can not confirm any of this and, at the same time, I don’t think any statues have been broken, but what hurts me is that OU’s delegation, which Maxwell has a strong hand in, brought roughly 13 or 14 delegates that showed up just purely to vote and then left,” Election Committee member Representative Price said. “And it really makes me feel bad because I feel like every delegate’s vote here should count because they love OIL.”
OU wasn’t the only delegation that was missing delegates. Reasons for their absence were required to be approved by the Attorney General. While some were under the impression that Speaker Yumul was not excusing Mom’s Day at OU, Attorney General Burris gave assurance that she, herself, is the only one with the authority to excuse delegates. To add more complications, a lawsuit was filed by Speaker Yumul against Attorney General Burris but was later dropped.
By the afternoon, an announcement was made that changed the tone of the day. Chief Justice Maxwell, Senator Shirey, Senator Chatwell and Representative Hughes addressed the House and Senate, speaking the words that caused a collective sigh of relief through the chambers
“We are here today in a sign of unity; we want to bring this organization together,” Chief Justice Maxwell said. “We are all in agreement that we must move forward from this divisiveness. We must move forward from the politics of character assassination. I want to work with them because I believe they want what is best for this organization as much as I do, maybe perhaps more. And that is why I am now saying to you all that I have offered the position of Chief of Staff to Mr. Brian Hughes and position of Attorney General to Mr. Corey Shirey.”
Representative Hughes and Senator Shirey stood with Chief Justice Maxwell and Senator Shatwell, stating their support for the next governor and lieutenant governor. Also, an apology was issued to both bodies, for the harmful actions throughout the past few days.
“If any of you in here have felt victimized, manipulated, or wronged in any way by me, I want to sincerely apologize,” Chief Justice Maxwell said. “I plead you all to understand that it was not intentional at all. I am only human and I pray for humbleness and forgiveness.”
Senator Shirey joined in, offering his apology as well.
“If you’ve ever felt anything other than respect from me, I want to apologize for that.”
Representative Hughes then spoke words of encouragement for the future of OIL, assuring that the good of the organization comes first.
“After sitting down and clearing the air between the four of us and discussing a lot of issues and a lot of thoughts, it was felt between all four of us that this way of going forward was the best way to make sure that the organization has the greatest leadership and has the most united front going forward so that this organization remains strong.”
It was a crazy few days, with people forming opinions without facts, rumors spread to destroy a person’s character and many other embarrassing actions that in no way reflect what OIL stands for. At the end of the day though, the differences were put aside and four men displayed maturity, humility and selflessness. Reflecting what integrity stands for, there are a few politicians who should take note of what real strength looks like. No amount of power is worth the price of friendships.