Tribe's actions risky

Discussion

June 20, 2008

Anonymous The Tahlequah Daily Press Fri Jun 20, 2008, 08:44 AM CDT

Editor, Daily Press:

The Cherokee people in Oklahoma know that Chief Smith and his administration called for and pushed the Freedmen legislation through our tribe. Smith, along with his paid “Team Cherokee” slate, carried petitions and organized rallies against the Freedmen, throughout the 14 counties. What did not happen was an informed presentation of both sides of the issues and any discussion of consequences was ignored.

Sovereignty is based on retained rights. By signing the Treaty of 1866, we treated away the right to exclude the Freedmen. The consequences of such an action has already been litigated twice in the Seminole I and II cases. The Seminole went unrecognized for three years and they are still hurting from the federal cost.

The people’s voice is of the utmost importance in any democracy, but what leadership ignores standing law and puts their people’s jobs and livelihoods at risk? There are legal ways to accomplish the same goals: passing a bill through Congress first, like the Osage, or passing a blanket blood quantum similar to the Eastern Band of Cherokees, at 1/16th by blood.

Cherokee cultural preservation is no answer to exclude the Freedmen and only raises more questions. Why would Smith’s administration allow adopted whites for eight years? Why terminate the Delaware and make them Cherokee? We have culturally accepted many people into our tribe, based on the tenets of God’s law, which is inclusive of all his creation. We must stay on God’s white path.

Smith’s administration and slate members are quick to blame others for issues they can resolve today, if they wished. Instead, they showboat and put Cherokee jobs, health care, social services, housing and education programs at risk by pursuing their legislation, right to the end. They are gambling with your jobs, against 100 years of precedent.

I believe this issue speaks volumes about Smith and his slate’s leadership. Tribal preservation is more important than a chief’s political aspirations. Your jobs and the economy of northeastern Oklahoma shouldn’t be put at risk by political theater orchestrated by Smith and his paid slate.

Sean Nordwall, Cherokee citizen

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Editor’s note: Chief Smith has written a letter responding to these and other issues, which will be published in the Sunday Press.

Text Only

Letters to editor

River car case closed
I just wanted to finish up the story of “Car in river.”

March 7, 2012
Make sure you vote
It’s that time of the year again – time for the school board to extend a two-year contract to three years. It seems the board is much more interested in the job security of [Superintendent] Shannon Goodsell than for the teachers and staff.

February 2, 2012
Ego influencing justice
Last year’s incident in the jail where inmate Daniel Bosh received significant injuries from what appears to be an attack by a jail employee serves as a reminder that we have flaws in our justice system.

February 2, 2012
Harnessing talents
Women met Tuesday, Jan. 17, who believe in the values of a strong U.S. Constitutional government, with more power in the state and local government; women who believe our federal government is spending out of control, to the point of pushing our nation into the poor house. We call ourselves conservatives.

January 30, 2012
Flip-flopping on issues
Shannon Goodsell, superintendent of Tahlequah Public Schools, apparently can’t make up his mind when it comes to giving taxpayer money to private organizations.

November 23, 2011
Thieves target cross
I am writing you regarding my cousin’s memorial cross on State Highway 51. He has been gone for four years now. The week before the four-year anniversary of his passing, someone stole his cross.

November 23, 2011
Kudos to the City Council
Editor, Daily Press:
Our elected officials showed wise judgment at [last] Monday’s City Council meeting. They chose individualism over collectivism.

November 7, 2011
Scare tactics on aliens?
Editor, Daily Press:
I just finished watching scare tactics on a new channel called the Curiosity Channel, on satellite television. It was about, “What would we do if we were attacked by beings from outer space?” It was, in my opinion, designed and produced by the big corporations who are now running the world.

November 7, 2011
Think twice about testing
Editor, Daily Press:
I do not condone the use of drugs by welfare recipients and I do not believe that many can afford to use drugs. I also do not condone government intrusion into the private lives of citizens.

November 7, 2011
No tax for B&GC
Reader Everett Childers argues there are better ways to fund the program.

October 31, 2011
More Letters to editor Headlines

What do you plan to do over the Memorial Day weekend?

Letters to editor

Search Results

Discussion

Tribe's actions risky

What do you plan to do over the Memorial Day weekend?

Site Map

Contact Us