[Dingfod]

Oklahoma State University graduate, Billings, Oklahoma farmer and former U.S. Senator and two-time Governor of Oklahoma Henry Bellmon died this week at age 88. Bellmon was Oklahoma's first Republican governor when he was elected in 1962. He served the one six year term. In 1968 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, served two terms, returning to his Billings farm in 1981. He ran for Governor again in 1986, citing hard times in Oklahoma would make him "feel like a shirker" if he didn't, and won reelection. Bellmon was his own man, he ruffled feathers on both sides of the aisle. He once refused federal aid to farmers, saying it would make them lose their independence. He oversaw the building of turnpike toll highways and a huge increase in taxes. His biggest opponents in his governorship were members of his of his own party in legislature. He used veto power more than any other governor prior.

Bellmon was a Republican I liked and respected, a man of principle but with a heart. I can't say that about many of the current crop of idiots in his party.