Considering that we have national holidays for coffee, chocolate, and trees, it isn’t too preposterous to imagine that a state might dedicate a day to thanking God for oil – but that doesn’t mean we have to be okay with it!
Today in the state of Oklahoma, residents are being asked to pray to thank their god for the existence of oil and natural gas, ostensibly to entice the all-seeing entity to improve the currently floundering oil industry.
It really seems to be the modern-day version of a rain dance.
Republican Governor Mary Fallin declared the day after oil prices reached a shocking 12-year low earlier this year. Fallin invited residents to “seek [God’s] wisdom and ask for protection” in these trying times.
Not surprisingly, the original holiday was directed only at Oklahomans of the Christian faith, but after some religious groups raised questions, the ridiculous holiday was amended to include all faiths.
Oklahoma is one of many states heavily dependent upon oil for their economic success. Until we figure out alternative sources of energy, we will continue to face this sort of laughable public display.