“Interfaith Dialog” = “More Turkish Imports to Oklahoma”
Five days ago, OK Governor Brad Henry left on a trip to Turkey, and so far, with the exception of an article in The Oklahoman letting us know that the Henrys were not in the Istanbul explosion, the only information Oklahomans have received about the trip is what we’ve been able to gather from international news organizations like the Associated Press and the Turkish Press.
It would be nice if Oklahomans actually had the honor of hearing from their own governor on this cultural “exchange.”
Green Country Values has been looking for a press release that was promised last Friday, to no avail. On Monday, I was told that the receptionist’s server was down, so the website could not be updated. Today (Wednesday) I was simply referred to Paul Sund’s (Henry’s Spokesman) voice mail, and my message left there has not yet been returned. There is still no update on the Governor’s website.
The Turkish Press, reporting that Turkey has exported approximately 4 Billion in USD annually to the United states, wrote:
“The U.S. governor said on his behalf that his visit to Turkey aimed at informing Turkish officials about trade and investment opportunities in the State of Oklahoma to develop bilateral commercial relations.”
Fascinating. This trip is apparently being sponsored by the Institute of Interfaith Dialog…why would an organization dedicated to (according to its website), “by sharing different perspectives by listening to each other from the space of love, respect, tolerance, mercy, and compassion,” sponsor a trip for the Governor to inform Turkish officials about trade opportunities in Oklahoma? Will we ever know? We’re still waiting…
Also see: Turkey heads to Turkey, Maybe! over at OKPNS
"There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you." 
Many active members of Interfaith dialogue groups Turkish Muslims and Iranians who fled Iran after the Islamic revolution. Their brand of Islam is closer to Sufi rather than Sunni or Shiite. Sufis were allied to the US and have a tradition of working with other religions.
“why would an organization dedicated … to sharing different perspectives sponsor a trip for the Governor to inform Turkish officials about trade opportunities in Oklahoma?”
1) because Oklahomans in public office will jump at any chance to travel abroad.
2) For the same reason the Jewish Federation in Oklahoma City (a non business entity) helped sponsor Henry’s trip to the Middle East in 2003.
Business Exchange has inherent cultural exchange. Duh.
So, what’s your point, Payam? What does that have to do with the governor of Oklahoma refusing to explain to the people he’s working for just exactly how his dealings with foreign dignitaries is supposed to beneficial for Oklahomans?
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