The Controversial Bible Mandate in Oklahoma
In June, Ryan Walters, the superintendent for public instruction in Oklahoma, made headlines by mandating that every classroom in the state must incorporate Bible teachings for students starting from fifth grade through high school. This directive raised eyebrows across the nation, but it was only the beginning of a much larger debate.
Three months later, as Walters unveiled the guidelines for vendors interested in supplying Bibles, the stipulations revealed an unexpected twist. The Bibles were required not only to feature the King James Version of the Old and New Testaments but also to include foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Pledge of Allegiance. To top it off, they had to be bound in leather or a suitable substitute.
Notably, the only Bibles that meet these stringent criteria are those associated with Donald Trump or his son. The “God Bless the USA” Bibles, priced at $59.99 and printed in China, cost an astonishing 20 times more than a standard paperback edition of the King James Bible. While the exact royalties Mr. Trump receives per sale remain unclear, it has been reported that he does profit from the use of his name, suggesting a potentially substantial financial gain from this venture.
According to a spokesperson for Mr. Walters, the $3 million allocated for Bibles in the state budget was sourced from “payroll savings,” a sum that could otherwise finance salaries for approximately 75 entry-level teachers in Oklahoma.
The notion of a rogue ideologue diverting a significant portion of Oklahoma’s educational budget to benefit the former president should certainly raise concerns. This scenario echoes a familiar pattern: during his presidency, Trump was often embroiled in schemes that prioritized personal profit over public service. If he were to reclaim the presidency, it’s reasonable to expect that this culture of relentless self-serving behavior would persist.
While corruption isn’t confined to a single political party, recent months have seen Democrats such as former Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas, and New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams facing legal challenges, including indictments for alleged bribery. However, during Trump’s first term, his ethical missteps, while frequently not outright illegal, exhibited a pervasive trend of low-level self-enrichment. This pattern provides a unique insight into his motivations for engaging in politics.
Trump’s business practices, characterized by underpaying contractors, exploiting customers, and leveraging bankruptcy laws to eliminate debts, mirrored his approach to governance. Unfortunately, this troubling mentality was echoed by many individuals in his administration. This issue, however, has not received substantial attention in the current presidential campaign.
Instead, discussions have predominantly revolved around broader scandals, including two impeachment proceedings, threats to democratic norms, and contentious policies such as family separation. Anti-Trump advocates are increasingly positioning themselves as central figures in a battle against the potential unraveling of our governmental institutions, a concern that is both valid and pressing.