I’m sure there are nice people in Oklahoma. I’m also sure the ones who work in the Governor’s office and who control the state legislature there aren’t. Governor Mary Fallin just signed a bill into law which prohibits cities around the state from establishing minimum wage rates and vacation and sick leave policies.

She and her supporters (Republicans, of course) say

“An artificial raise in the minimum wage could derail local economies in a matter of months. This is a fair measure for consumers, workers and small business owners.”

What it means is municipalities can’t set wage floors or benefit requirements for employers in their jurisdictions.

If you’re asking yourself, “I thought these clowns worshipped the free market and local control of policy. Doesn’t this action completely contradict that?” you’re right. Consistency isn’t a strong point of the modern Republican party.

Will Rogers and Woody Guthrie, both born in Oklahoma, are probably spinning in their graves.