From time to time, reporters gather quotes that don’t quite fit into their stories. Over the past two weeks, I’ve accumulated several extra statements — about hope, civic engagement, weed and guns — that are compelling and unpublished.
Until now.
For your Friday, we present these quotes as additional information regarding some of our most recent articles, which are linked in the attributions.
Quotes on advocacy, weed and guns
“You have to understand how the system works to fight the system. Any game you participate in, you have to know the rules, and it’s the same with the petition process.“
— Medical marijuana champion Joe Dorman discussing how to make changes in a democracy
“Anybody who wants a weapon can pretty much get one, and I think that’s part of the issue. There’s very little control over that. There’s very [few] checks and balances. The laws are what they are, but basically if you want to create chaos and gain access to a weapon like this, it’s not very difficult, and perhaps that’s one of the problems.”
— Oklahoma City Police Department Capt. Paco Balderrama discussing the availability of firearms and community safety
“I think it’s hard. You get to a certain point, even as a black person, it gets tiring teaching people. A lot of times, the burden falls on black people to teach others about racism and how to be a lovely person.”
— Counselor Uche Ukuku on how to have productive conversations about race at OKC’s recent Black Lives Matter rally
“What I’ve been telling them is, ‘I sure hope and pray none of your family gets to where my child was.’ When you see that and it’s your only option, you will take anything that you can that is safe. If we can get this approved, it will help so many people.”
— Marlow resident Tina Young explaining her message to people who oppose SQ 788, which would legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma
“I always try to remain in a positive and optimistic standpoint. My vision is that peace and an amicable relationship can be achieved and that there will be unity on all fronts. I have to stay hopeful. I want to stay hopeful. Are there moments where we see what is happening in the overall current of the nation that gives you a moment of pause? Of course, because I’m human, and I grieve for my brothers and sisters.”
— Black Lives Matter Oklahoma founder P. Sheri Dickerson discussing her positive outlook on life
