JANUARY 4, 2008 --

Just about the time this edition of LPR goes online, a conference is scheduled for Norman, Oklahoma, at the University of Oklahoma to promote bipartisan good will. A key participant at this meeting is New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, still considered a possible presidential candidate by pundits and others.

It is not clear to LPR how the common good will be served if the gathering at the University of Oklahoma convinces some insiders of the major parties to reason together.  

LPR has long believed that our country needs political renewal more than reform tinkering.  If indeed the structure of government established by the founders is still relevant, LPR maintains that the counsel given to us by Madison in implementing that form of government also remains valid.

It is LPR's prayer that the Oklahoma City meeting reaffirms the wisdom of our Founders and cites the counsel of Madison in Federalist 57 as the basis for political renewal in 2008.

Turnabout. Thanksgiving Day, the University of Oklahoma marching band was in Manhattan. Now, the mayor of New York City just might be leading a political orchestra in Oklahoma.