--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We must give Oklahoma families the…" description: "\"We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. And..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/brad-henry-23035_american-dream_we-must-give-oklahoma-families-the-oppor_2854155.jpg" --- # We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive… ![“We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. And then, we must get out of the way.” quote by Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/brad-henry-23035_american-dream_we-must-give-oklahoma-families-the-oppor_2854155.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/brad-henry-23035_american-dream_we-must-give-oklahoma-families-the-oppor_2854155.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/brad-henry-23035_american-dream_we-must-give-oklahoma-families-the-oppor_2854155.jpg) > “We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. And then, we must get out of the way.” [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Providing resources for prosperity then stepping aside to let individuals succeed independently. **In simple terms:** Enable and then empower. Key Takeaway Offer tools, then step back. Themes opportunity self‑reliance policy Mood optimistic pragmatic Type policy inspirational When to use this quote - community development - entrepreneurship - education reform Key Concepts economics government freedom Questions to Reflect On - What resources are most needed for thriving communities? - How can leaders know when to step back? A Different Perspective Too much intervention can stifle initiative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [American dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-dream/) [Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family/) [Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opportunity/) [Tools](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tools/) ## Related quotes > [This is not the time for partisan bickering. This is not the time for politics as usual. Some of us are Democrats. Some of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/this-is-not-the-time-for-partisan-bickering-this-is-not-the-time-for/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Oklahomans value our children and our seniors. Oklahomans value traditions of faith. Oklahomans value our heroes, our veterans. Oklahomans value innovation and the creative…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/oklahomans-value-our-children-and-our-seniors-oklahomans-value/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [What unites Oklahomans today is what has always united us: Our unshakable faith. Our love of family and compassion for others. The unlimited promise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/what-unites-oklahomans-today-is-what-has-always-united-us-our/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Oklahomans care about the environment and the state in which we live.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-pruitt/oklahomans-care-about-the-environment-and-the-state-in-which-we-live/) [Scott Pruitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-pruitt/) > [I thought of telling him that if it wasn't for Oklahoman cowboys and Mexican whores having a bit of fun, there would've been no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilona-andrews/i-thought-of-telling-him-that-if-it-wasn-t-for-oklahoman-cowboys-and/) [Ilona Andrews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilona-andrews/) > [As Oklahomans, we believe in bold entrepreneurship and good stewardship.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-pruitt/as-oklahomans-we-believe-in-bold-entrepreneurship-and-good-stewardship/) [Scott Pruitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-pruitt/) > [During my first visit, I was really struck by how deeply religious many Oklahomans are. It is a very conservative state and as somebody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/famke-janssen/during-my-first-visit-i-was-really-struck-by-how-deeply-religious/) [Famke Janssen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/famke-janssen/) > [I don't believe I ever saw an Oklahoman who wouldn't fight at the drop of a hat -- and frequently drop the hat himself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/i-don-t-believe-i-ever-saw-an-oklahoman-who-wouldn-t-fight-at-the/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [Resilience is woven deeply into the fabric of Oklahoma. Throw us an obstacle, and we grow stronger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/resilience-is-woven-deeply-into-the-fabric-of-oklahoma-throw-us-an/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [For only by nurturing the minds and strengthening the values of our children can we give them an opportunity to be full, productive citizens,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/for-only-by-nurturing-the-minds-and-strengthening-the-values-of-our/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Something called 'the Oklahoma Standard' became known throughout the world. It means resilience in the face of adversity. It means a strength and compassion…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/something-called-the-oklahoma-standard-became-known-throughout-the/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [I remember the early 1980s, when I first got one of these fabulous film critic jobs. The downside was sitting through 'Splatteria III: The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-hunter/i-remember-the-early-1980s-when-i-first-got-one-of-these-fabulous/) [Stephen Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-hunter/) > [You could have a hit in California that no one had heard of in Oklahoma.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wanda-jackson/you-could-have-a-hit-in-california-that-no-one-had-heard-of-in/) [Wanda Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wanda-jackson/) > [I didn't realize Oklahoma had so many fine women.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/metta-world-peace/i-didn-t-realize-oklahoma-had-so-many-fine-women/) [Metta World Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/metta-world-peace/) > [I have family in Oklahoma City.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blake-shelton/i-have-family-in-oklahoma-city/) [Blake Shelton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blake-shelton/) ## More by Brad Henry > [Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/families-are-the-compass-that-guide-us-they-are-the-inspiration-to/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [There is too much at stake for us to surrender to the politics of polarization.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/there-is-too-much-at-stake-for-us-to-surrender-to-the-politics-of/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Reading builds the educated and informed electorate so vital to our democracy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/reading-builds-the-educated-and-informed-electorate-so-vital-to-our/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [It is a paradox that far too few Americans participate in the wonderful ritual of democracy that we call Election Day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/it-is-a-paradox-that-far-too-few-americans-participate-in-the/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [The status quo is simply unacceptable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/the-status-quo-is-simply-unacceptable/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [In charting our course to the future, we are mindful of our path from the past.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/in-charting-our-course-to-the-future-we-are-mindful-of-our-path-from/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [No one should have to choose between medicine and other necessities. No one should have to use the emergency room every time a child…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/no-one-should-have-to-choose-between-medicine-and-other-necessities/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [A fundamental duty of government is to protect its people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/a-fundamental-duty-of-government-is-to-protect-its-people/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Let us be bold. Let us be brave. Let us be together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/let-us-be-bold-let-us-be-brave-let-us-be-together/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [What unites Oklahomans today is what has always united us: Our unshakable faith. Our love of family and compassion for others. The unlimited promise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/what-unites-oklahomans-today-is-what-has-always-united-us-our/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [The worst thing we can do is to do nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/the-worst-thing-we-can-do-is-to-do-nothing/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [If ever there was a time for true bipartisanship, it is today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/if-ever-there-was-a-time-for-true-bipartisanship-it-is-today/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [No other investment yields as great a return as the investment in education. An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/no-other-investment-yields-as-great-a-return-as-the-investment-in/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/a-good-teacher-can-inspire-hope-ignite-the-imagination-and-instill-a/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) > [Families are the compass that guide us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-henry/families-are-the-compass-that-guide-us/) [Brad Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) [Explore all 26 Brad Henry quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-henry/) ## More American dream quotes > [I understand that it's the music that keeps me alive... That's my lifeblood. And to give that up for, like, the TV, the cars,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-springsteen/i-understand-that-it-s-the-music-that-keeps-me-alive-that-s-my/) [Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-springsteen/) > [Are we a nation of guarantees or are we a nation of opportunities to achieve the American dream?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-mcdonnell/are-we-a-nation-of-guarantees-or-are-we-a-nation-of-opportunities-to/) [Bob McDonnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-mcdonnell/) > [I believe keeping our promises should be our highest priority and that means saving Social Security and Medicare while preserving the American dream for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-coburn/i-believe-keeping-our-promises-should-be-our-highest-priority-and/) [Tom Coburn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-coburn/) > [Our families and our homes are the center of American life, Everything we do is to make those homes-and the lives in them-more beautiful,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martha-stewart/our-families-and-our-homes-are-the-center-of-american-life-everything/) [Martha Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-stewart/) > [I want people to know where I come from. I think I have come really far from that, and I did it on my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aj-lee/i-want-people-to-know-where-i-come-from-i-think-i-have-come-really/) [AJ Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aj-lee/) > [We need to remain a nation that doesn't just welcome but that celebrates legal immigrants who come here seeking to pursue the American Dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-cruz/we-need-to-remain-a-nation-that-doesn-t-just-welcome-but-that/) [Ted Cruz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-cruz/) > [By disgracing and degrading the presidency of the United States, by fleeing the White House like a diseased cur, Richard Nixon broke the heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hunter-s-thompson/by-disgracing-and-degrading-the-presidency-of-the-united-states-by/) [Hunter S. Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hunter-s-thompson/) > [So many Korean Americans like me came to this country with the hope of achieving their own American Dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-steel/so-many-korean-americans-like-me-came-to-this-country-with-the-hope/) [Michelle Steel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-steel/) > [“Let's make no mistake about this: The American Dream starts with the neighborhoods. If we wish to rebuild our cities, we must first rebuild…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-milk/let-s-make-no-mistake-about-this-the-american-dream-starts-with-the/) [Harvey Milk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-milk/) > [As a kid, I learned from my parents, teachers, coaches, and friends that what mattered most was Truth - to uncover it, share it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shiva-ayyadurai/as-a-kid-i-learned-from-my-parents-teachers-coaches-and-friends-that/) [Shiva Ayyadurai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shiva-ayyadurai/) > [Theres a zoom up in the TV screen Living cancer to our self-esteem yea Cause if this an airless beauty queen But everything aint…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/valentinooo-c/theres-a-zoom-up-in-the-tv-screen-living-cancer-to-our-self-esteem/) Valentinooo\_c > [College is part of the American dream. It shouldnt be part of a financial nightmare for families](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-mikulski/college-is-part-of-the-american-dream-it-shouldnt-be-part-of-a/) [Barbara Mikulski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-mikulski/) > [“New Rule: Americans must realize what makes NFL football so great: socialism. That's right, the NFL takes money from the rich teams and gives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-maher/new-rule-americans-must-realize-what-makes-nfl-football-so-great/) [Bill Maher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-maher/) > [I believe it from the bottom of my heart, and your sons and daughters, too, can have the American dream come true.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-a-ribicoff/i-believe-it-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart-and-your-sons-and-daughters/) [Abraham A. Ribicoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-a-ribicoff/) > [I dare to imagine a country where every child I hold in my hands, are all God's children, regardless of the color of their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-wellstone/i-dare-to-imagine-a-country-where-every-child-i-hold-in-my-hands-are/) [Paul Wellstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-wellstone/) [Browse all 1,001 American dream quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-dream/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. 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