The beef is the way this paper avoids other issues, and fails to keep the public informed. Some of that could be because of the time required for investigative journalism. Fine, if a paper can’t fulfill its role, and abide by the journalistic creed, then it is time to forego the privileges of a news paper.

The paper can’t have it both ways, limit reporting to insure the desired profit, and claim privileges: like sales tax exemption, press passes and parking, etc.

Not to mention presenting the paper as something it isn’t, reporting the truth. Reporting is superficial at best. That means accepting what public officials and other public figures say at face value; without verifying or questioning. Instead of reporting the truth, and facts, this paper resorts to printing two opposing views. Using some excuse letting the public decide for itself.

There are some very specific issues, that are obvious for a “Watch Dog.” A Watch Dog, that hasn’t even noticed information missing from Open Books. Incorrect information substituted for the required information. And, calling those responsible for the missing explanation for their explanation, is not justice. What are they going to say. Gosh, we never notice that? Here we will get right on this.

There are going to claim they do not have to, or some other excuses. If that is the case then we don’t have sunlight, so let’s get that cleared up.

Here is some of the missing information and there is a reason this particular information is missing. To find out why would investigative journalism. I can even show you where to go to find out.

Missing information – notice

“nonappropriated” in 2.

“refunds” in d.

“Tax credit” in 4.

There at least 3 missing “Tax credits” and the tax credits reported are identities and amounts of “redeemed” tax credits. The law requires the identities and amounts of those “receiving” tax credits. There are several significant differences.

Title 62 O.S. § 46 Taxpayer Transparency Act
at http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=450012

2. “Expenditure of state funds” means the disbursement of state funds, whether appropriated or nonappropriated, excluding:

d. refunds issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission resulting from the overpayment of tax;

3. “Incentive payments” means payments made under the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program Act, Saving Quality Jobs Act, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Incentive Leverage Act, Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act, Oklahoma Specialized Quality Investment Act and Oklahoma Quality Investment Act;

4. “Tax credit” means a credit pursuant to the Oklahoma Income Tax Act against tax liability which is taken by a taxpayer, excluding credits authorized under paragraphs 1 and 2 of subsection B of Section 2357 and Sections 2357.29 and 2357.43 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and

That is one story, and the bigger story is what is the above hiding?

Them: Pseudo news, mostly for entertainment and shock value. No one’s responsible for accuracy.

The Oklahoman: Real reliable news, reported responsibly as it should be. Reporters fact check and stand behind their facts.

Unfortunately too many people can no longer tell the difference between the two.

Kudos to you all.