American Minute for April 22nd:
A gunshot at high noon on APRIL 22, 1889, began the famous Oklahoma land rush. Within 9 hours some two million acres became the private property of settlers who staked their claims. Riding as fast as they could, many found desirable plots already taken by "Sooners," individuals who entered the territory sooner than was permitted. The remaining land was assigned to the various Indian tribes, who joined together in approving the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma in 1907. The Preamble begins: "Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; to promote our mutual welfare and happiness, we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution." Cherokee Will Rogers was an actor, cowboy philosopher who was offered the nomination for Oklahoma's Governor, but declined. Will Rogers said: "The Lord constituted everybody that no matter what color you are, you require the same amount of nourishment." Will Rogers remarked "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." Will Rogers quipped "The trouble with our praying is, we just do it as a means of last resort," and "Lord, let me live until I die."
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