Brad Henry Saves The Flaming Lips

In one of most frustrating and relief-filled three hours in Oklahoma pop culture history, the Oklahoma House of Representatives voted a down a resolution earlier today that would have made The Flaming Lips‘ “Do You Realize??” the state’s official rock song.

A couple of hours later, Governor Brad Henry saved our state from one of the most embarrassing courses of actions in recent state history.

During a March 2009 visit to the Oklahoma State Capitol, in which“Do You Realize??” was recognized by the state Senate, Lips bassist Michael Ivins wore a red t-shirt with a yellow sickle and hammer underneath a blazer. That t-shirt, along with the band’s “reputation for using obscene language”, were used as reasons for the House rejecting Resolution SJR24.

Quotes from The Tulsa World:

“The great thing about this country is he has the right to make whatever statement he wants to make. I have the right to be offended by that. I felt that the consequences of that were that I would not be able to support that as our state song.” - Rep. Corey Holland, R-Marlow

“I have no use for honoring the Flaming Lips. It is a total waste of time. It is not what the taxpayers sent us to do, to honor some group that we might find their lyrics less than acceptable.” - Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City

The resolution’s author Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs lashed out at some of his colleagues:

“I was absolutely floored when the measure was defeated. I couldn’t believe that the one time we as a body have the opportunity to pass a law based on the will of the people of our state – not our own will – the Republicans won’t do it. I am quite simply appalled at the behavior of my colleagues, and at the message they’re choosing to send to and about our state.”

Dorman also pointed out the hypocrisy several of his Republican colleagues showed by voting down the resolution, after being star-struck when the Lips visited the Capitol in March:

“Many of the same Republicans who voted against this resolution were excited just a few months ago to have their picture taken with the band, and requested signed copies of the picture. I marvel at those members – I absolutely marvel at the fact that they’ll go home and sleep tonight, thinking they’ve done some sort of service to our state, when all they’ve done is hypocritically trample free will, free speech and democracy. And all this fuss, over a rock and roll song.”

The resolution actually won a majority of the votes (48-39), but failed to get the minimum of 51. Fourteen Representatives of the 101-member House were absent for the vote. In contrast, the state Senate approved the resolution in March, 46-0.

Not only did failure of the resolution in the House violate the public’s will, but it also threatened to ruin the goodwill the resolution had won our state just over a month ago.

News of the resolution rejection was met with public outrage, as musicians, politicians, radio hosts and music fans took to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook:

@KliphScurlock: Scared Oklahoma Republicans just stripped the Flaming Lips of the State Rock Song honor.

@capitolkiesel: House Repubs kill effort to make Flaming Lips song “Do you Realize” state rock song as voted on by Oklahomans. Absolutely pathetic.

@jdeep79: to the republicans in the Oklahoma State House & Senate who voted against the Flaming Lips rock song measure. this middle finger is for you!

@geoffdeaton: Attn OK Reps! If u voted against the Flaming Lips, no onion burger for u Monday. And we will be checking names!!

In a much more professional manner, the Lips also responded (with no hints of communism or dirty words) to the resolution’s rejection in a myspace bulletin:

As many people around the world know, the Flaming Lips are proud to be from Oklahoma. We want everyone to understand that only a minority of the representatives voted against this law. The facts are that “Do You Realize” won over 50% of the popular vote in the original poll, passed unanimously in the Senate, and won over a majority of the Representatives in the House (48 were for the law passing, 39 against – 14 were absent from the vote – you need 51 to pass the law).

Regardless of what the minority in the House of Representatives wish, the Flaming Lips remain proud ambassadors of the state. We are honored that the majority of the people who voted, hoped to have “Do You Realize” be the Oklahoma State Rock Song. Perhaps there is still a way it can be.

- The Flaming Lips

Shortly thereafter, Governor Brad Henry swept in, flexed some executive muscle and saved the day:

“For more than 20 years ago, Oklahoma’s own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun and provocative rock music,” Gov. Henry said.

“The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world. A truly iconic rock ‘n’ roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state.

“They were clearly the people’s choice, and I intend to honor that vote.”

Gov. Henry will sign the executive order at 2pm on Tuesday, April 28 at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Hooray!

from oklahomarock.com