Obama Job Approval At All-Time Low Not Surprising

According to a Gallup Poll this week, President Obama's approval rating is at an all-time low of 38%, with a solid 55% disapproval rating. To some, this may be surprising but for the rest of us in America, we're not surprised. The economy is tough, energy prices continue to stay at record levels and jobless claims are up.

Not surprising at all.

Neither should President Obama be surprised. Actually, he should have expected it to plummet. It’s really quite simple … broken promises anger voters. We see it on a local level and certainly President Obama experienced it while serving as a United States Senator. Unfortunately for the American people, many presidents surround themselves with people who tell them what they want to hear rather than that which they need to hear.

In my home, for example, we have a checks and balances system that keeps both myself and my wife balanced and focused. When we see troubled waters ahead, we are prepared and we act accordingly. This is not to say that our system is perfect, but it is one that works and works well. And most fortunately for me, I have a wife who isn't shy about sharing concerns and her vision. She tells me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear.

Until the economy picks up, until we see real energy policy that supports domestic production, until we see Republican legislators doing the things they promised during their respective campaigns, EVERY elected official should expect low approval ratings and not be surprised when they face unprecedented opposition when election time comes rolling around.

David

Why Oklahoma?

I often get asked about why my wife and I decided to establish roots here in Oklahoma rather than moving back "up north" where I'm from. The answer is both simple and complex. Complex, only because it's often difficult to put into words emotions and feelings.

First, my amazing wife Briana and I love it here. Sure, it sounds cliché, but it's where we met and fell in love. Describing that emotion, the impact of our meeting here where the red dirt dominates, is often tough to accomplish. She attended Southern Nazarene University, has family here, and it just gets in your blood.

Second, Oklahoma is a great place to raise a family.

Third, Oklahoma is on the move. We have acquired an NBA team, we have numerous colleges and universities in the state that receive national attention, the oil and natural gas industries are strong and contribute greatly to our communities, and we're seeing more and more people choosing to make Oklahoma their home.

Fourth, the people are incredible. Oklahoma has faced its share of tragedies over the years and the truth of the matter is that those very tragedies that rip at our hearts, draw us all closer together. Community in Oklahoma is more than just a catchy phrase, it is a reality.

Fifth, stable economy. Other states have been hit with back-breaking down-turns in the economy but Oklahoma is still thriving with a low unemployment rate and companies are still hiring in Oklahoma.

There are so many reasons why Briana and I have chosen to plant our roots here, it would bore you to tears were I to ramble on endlessly about them. Briana and I have chosen to live here - not by compulsion, but rather by passion. We love Oklahoma and the people of Oklahoma. While others have been born here, we are here because we love it - not because we "must" live here.

So, there are some of your answers.

David

Introduction

Welcome to my foray into the blogosphere.  I thought it only appropriate that the first thing I do is to introduce myself, my family to you so you get an understanding of who it is behind the blog.  Many blogs are anonymous, but not this one.  It's all mine.

I was born on September 8, 1978 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. While growing up in Illinois, I attended private Christian schools from kindergarten through high school, graduating from St. Rita High School in 1996. Thereafter, I went on to attend Northern Illinois University, where I majored in Business (Marketing) and graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in 2000. At Northern Illinois University, I was an active and dedicated volunteer in the community and served the university with distinction through involvement in student government and on several university committees.

After graduating from Northern Illinois University, I accepted a position as a Law Clerk with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with the intention of serving the public while attending law school in Illinois. However, after several visits to Oklahoma with my father, an amateur bulldogger, I fell in love with the people of Oklahoma and decided to attend law school at the University of Tulsa. I moved to Oklahoma in 2002 and met my wife Briana (Mauldin) Looby in 2003. I then earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa and was admitted to practice law before all Oklahoma courts in 2005.

In 2006, I earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Taxation, concentrating on federal and state taxation, from the University of Florida, the number two ranked tax law program in the nation. Then I returned to Oklahoma and accepted a position with the Oklahoma Republican Party where I assisted the party in its fundraising activities. Thereafter, I accepted a position as an Associate attorney with the Oklahoma City law firm of Phillips, McFall, McCaffrey, McVay and Murrah, P.C. (now Phillips Murrah) in the firm’s Corporate, Tax and Transactional Departments. After a year with Phillips McFall, I left to form his own law firm, Looby & Associates, PLLC, which successfully operated from August 2007 through December 2008. In January 2009, I partnered with my longtime friend, Dale Cazes, to form the law firm of Cazes & Looby, PLLC. Recently, a third partner was added and the firm is now known as Cazes, Looby & Jarvis, PLLC.

Since my return to Oklahoma City, I have consistently fought to uphold Oklahomans’ rights on federal and state tax issues when dealing with the IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission. My practice is committed to protecting ordinary citizens from having their businesses closed or property levied upon by powerful government agencies. As a successful tax attorney, who regularly sees government abuses of power, I know firsthand how difficult and scary it can be for the average citizen when dealing with the federal or state government. I am a strong fiscal conservative who believes that taxes should be cut, government spending controlled and government abuse eliminated.

Me and Briana

I am happily married to Briana (Mauldin) Looby and have three amazing children: Jacoby, Ainsley and Brinkley. Jacoby and Ainsley both attend Christ the King School. My wife, Briana, attended Southern Nazarene University and majored in Psychology.  Briana and I are devout Christians, members of Christ the King Catholic Church. In my free time, David enjoys pheasant, turkey, deer and quail hunting, fishing, reading, cooking, reality television, sports and spending time with my beautiful wife and children.

Current Admissions, Memberships, Affiliations and Licenses:
Oklahoma, 2005
U.S. Tax Court, 2006
U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, 2006
OREC, Real Estate Broker License, 2009
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 2011
Oklahoma Bar Association
Oklahoma County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Oklahoma City Masonic Lodge No. 36
National Rifle Association
Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Chamber of Commerce
Oklahoma Bar Foundation

Jacoby – 9 yrs old
Ainsley – 5 yrs old
Brinkley – 1 yrs old

So, there you have it, friends.  My humble introduction into the blogger world.