October 1, 2014

In this issue, we investigate coercion, fraud, impulse, and constraint. Marcos Barbery solicits an alternative solution to sex trafficking, Brian Ted Jones discerns political action from criminal action, and Matt Lardner reports on a strange accusation of political fraud. Plus, a collection of rare Dust Bowl-era photographs reveals past and future duress, and new poetry by Ken Hada. HARD TIMES OKLAHOMA: Catherine Whitney curates a photo essay from Russell Lee’s expansive archive of Dust Bowl-era Oklahoma images. JOHN SCHOOL: Marcos Barbery investigates a new effort to curb prostitution: educating the men who seek it. CAPITOL COERCION: What’s the difference between hardball politics and criminal coercion? Sometimes it takes an indictment to find out. By Brian Ted Jones. SUSPICIOUS MIND: Matt Lardner profiles Timothy Ray Murray, the perpetual candidate who accused Frank Lucas of being a robot after losing Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District. HOMECOMING: A poem to analyze the crink in one family’s personal mythology. By Ken Hada. ORIGINAL OKIE: Allison Adelle Hedge Coke is musician, filmmaker, and writer who says she’s inspired by nearly everything.