War on Texas
Jessica Zimmerman (OU) November 13, 2021
Yesterday, the Senate passed a State Concurrent Resolution declaring war on the State of Texas. This resolution, written by Sen. Keck (OSU), points out several grievances against The Lone Star State. Keck used past legislation written by Lt. Governor LeVan as a model for his resolution.
There were many factors that caused Keck to deem this a necessary course of action.
“Mainly, both Oklahoma State and OU just absolutely beating the tar out of Texas,” he said.
Another reason he sighted was the recent abortion laws passed in Texas.
“[It] takes away the rights of their citizens…I’m not a fan of that.”
Keck had high expectations for the support this resolution would receive, and he was not disappointed.
“I figured there would be enough Oklahomans in there to beat out the Texans,” he said.
He described the vote as displaying “a very large margin of acceptance.”
Keck is uncertain of what the reaction will be in the House of Representatives.
“I don’t know. I don’t really have a lot of friends in the House. I did get to see it with my Thunderbird Eyecare Act, so I’m very interested to see what the results are.”
If the House does pass the resolution, Keck is certain that it will receive support from Governor Barnett. He stated that he believes the governor is “incredibly likely” to sign it.
This is largely due to the fact that the resolution gives Governor Barnett a very important role in the war on Texas. The resolution calls for Governor Barnett to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Armies and Navies, while Lt. Governor LeVan would serve as General.
Besides these important assets to the war, Keck also pointed out the fact that Oklahoma does, in fact, have a port that could play a vital part in war efforts. In addition, there is a historical precedent for war against Texas.
“This wouldn’t be the first time Texas and Oklahoma went to war,” Keck said.
In the Red River Bridge War of 1931, Oklahoma National Guardsmen seized a bridge over the Red River.
Keck also pointed out that annexing Texas would provide Oklahoma with beachfront property on the Gulf shore.
All in all, it seems like the resolution would be difficult for the House of Representatives to object to. The only potential amendment Keck anticipates is funding for the war. “But we’ll just seize Texas’s assets to pay for it, so it will work out,” he said.