Over the past couple of months, you’ve probably heard a lot about Project 2025 – the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation-backed plan that would help Donald Trump dismantle and destroy the U.S. federal government as we know it, transforming it from a semi-functional entity into one big theocratic, authoritarian, private-sector-grifter-run pile of shit.
If that sounds a lot like a description of the current Oklahoma state government, that’s probably because it pretty much is a description of Oklahoma’s government.
We’ve always been an experimental test lab of sorts for ultra-right-wing policies, grifter enterprises, and other bad conservative ideas that have long-term consequences. As this report in The American Prospect explains, that’s partly why we’re so far behind states like Connecticut when it comes to education, health care, poverty, etc.
So, I guess it’s no surprise that Oklahoma, with its well-established reputation as the petri dish for bad conservative policies, has become the perfect breeding ground for secretive gatherings of the elites and organizations pushing this agenda forward.
That brings us to former Stitt lieutenant Bond “Pork Chop” Payne – a.k.a. the sinister rich guy delivered straight from Central Casting.
Thanks to the I’ve Had It! podcast gals, we’ve learned that Payne – Stitt's former Chief of Staff and Policy Advisor – recently partnered with the Heritage Foundation to host a very secretive and exclusive meet-and-greet with foreign emissaries and right-wing members of the OKC ruling class at someplace called the Citizen House.
Here’s a copy of the invite we acquired via The Ogle Mole Network:
For the unaware, the Citizen House is a new ultra-exclusive members-only downtown social club created by Payne.
From what I’ve gathered, it’s basically a gathering place for him and his Young Presidents' buddies to sit around and – while lighting cigars with hundred-dollar bills – think of new ways to exploit and manipulate Oklahoma taxpayer dollars for their own personal wealth and gain.
And, well, to prepare and capitalize on the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025.
Here’s the text of an email that accompanied the invite:
We are delighted to host "Engage America" on Tuesday, October 8th at Citizen House.
This educational initiative, led by The Heritage Foundation, offers strategic and practical opportunities for Washington's foreign embassy staff to engage with local and state-level leaders across the United States. Diplomatic colleagues will have the chance to connect with business, education, and civil society figures, fostering meaningful collaboration.
Representatives from a range of European countries will attend, adding an international dimension to this gathering.
We warmly invite you and a guest to join us. As space is limited, please RSVP promptly to secure your spot.
Our best,
Citizen House Team
How sweet and innocent, right?
Nothing says "meaningful collaboration" quite like a secretive meeting at an invite-only club where a handful of elites get to rub shoulders with foreign diplomats. I'm sure the exchange of ideas were as transparent and inclusive as this invitation suggests, and I can’t wait to witness how it fosters the kind of public engagement Oklahoma is known for—especially when it comes to dismantling civil society in the name of "strategic opportunities."
For me personally, the scariest thing about this story isn’t the OKC ruling class and its “Young Presidents” working with the Heritage Foundation and foreign emissaries to open up business channels for the day Oklahoma joins the Republic of Gilead.
Although I may have to go into hiding, I’m confident that will still give me plenty to write about.
Nope, the part that worries me most is that this story was originally broken by the Sweet Home Oklahoma “I’ve Had It” gals!
Apparently, Jennifer and her BFF “Toots” have launched a daily “I’ve Had It!” news division to go along with their hit “You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?”-style podcast.
During an episode about the Project 2025, they discussed the OKC meeting:
You know what I’ve had it with? Oklahoma City podcast stars trying to break into the local news biz!
Seriously, I already have to compete against 50 local non-profit news divisions for scoops and stories. I really don’t need an affluent interior decorator and her spunky lawyer buddy thrown into the mix! If they're bored, can't they just open up a Mercantile in Casady Square instead?
Either way, Jennifer and Toots need to merge back into their lane with their Route 44 Sonic Iced Teas and stick to complaining about gender reveal parties, baggy jeans, and Apple CarPlay turning off the music you’re playing in your Mercedes whenever you open TikTok while parked at a red light!
Anyway, what were we talking about again?
Oh yeah, the Heritage Foundation bringing foreign diplomats to OKC to make connections with local business leaders in preparation for the fall of the Republic as we know it.
On a positive note, although I disagree with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025’s vision, I guess it is comforting to know that Oklahoma's rich white men will be at the forefront of this movement and, as a result, will be able to capitalize on it.
For example, maybe they'll strike public-private partnerships with Russia to build federally-run American Patriotic History Re-Education Centers or work with Saudi Arabia to build super prisons for women trying to flee the country to get an abortion.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.