Letters: Who Will Win Next Recognition?
Who Will Win Next Recognition?
Editor, Times-Dispatch The news article, "Virginia Tribes Closer to U.S. Recognition," claims Congress is getting ready to recognize six Indian tribes in Virginia plus the Lumbees in North Carolina. I do not know how many Lumbees there are but your article states that there are 3,000 members of the six Virginia tribes. You report that the group will divide $800 million.
Since I have never heard of the Lumbees, there is no way for me to know how many there are. Say that there are 1,000 members -- which is twice the average for each Virginia tribe. If that figure were correct, that would mean 4,000 Indians will divide $800 million. My rudimentary math tells me that each Indian would be getting $200 thousand! When is Congress going to stop this? This is all in the interest of getting the Indian vote the next time there is a congressional election.
I am a member of a tribe known as the Greatest Generation. Our tribe suffered through a real depression with precious little help from the federal government. Additionally, we fought a global war.
When is Congress going to do anything for our tribe? Forget the $250 they plan to give us to offset the no-COLA increase in our Social Security for 2009. "That's toilet paper money," as an old aunt of mine would say.
The recognition of special groups is a slippery slope. Which group is next and how much will that one cost us?
Charles R. Talley Sr.
Irvington.
Car Title Lenders Are Not Altruistic
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Regarding Phil Kent's Op/Ed column, "Where's Compassion for Virginians Without Credit?": Why is it that religious, business, and civic groups are raising such a fuss about the predatory car title lending industry that out-of-state, hired gun Kent defends so outrageously? Because we have grave concerns about the debt trap that ensnares our neighbors through the scandalous, immoral business practices of these sharks.
At a recent hearing before a House of Delegates subcommittee on this subject, Del. Frank Hargrove asked an industry lobbyist: "If I borrowed $500 from you as a lender, how much would I owe you when I paid you back in six months?" The lobbyist said, "$900." Hargrove asked if that was the interest only. The lobbyist said, "Yes." Is this the kind of industry we want to encourage to "serve" the good people of the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Despite Kent's industry lament, predatory car title lenders are in this for the most profit they can make. That is their business. They have no altruistic motives. Their bottom line is to exact a profit at the greatest degree possible under cover of the law. Surely we are capable of fairness to those who are already at great financial risk, and we do not have to give outrageous permission to a lending practice that wrings immoral profit from the wallets of our neighbors in serious distress.
Charles Swadley.
Richmond.
It's Time to Go Or Come Back Home
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I was struck by Bob Gorrell's recent editorial cartoon depicting a soldier perched precariously over a cliff, alone, blocked from solid ground by a sign reading "Afghan Delays." I am sure the artist realizes all too well that this is no laughing matter.
I am the mother of three sons, the wife of a veteran, and an avid supporter of our military. My heart aches every time I think of the unspeakable grief some other mother must be experience when the knock comes at her door to tell her a child has been killed in Afghanistan. That grief would be compounded with anger to think that the death was needless because our elected leader couldn't decide whether or not to comply with the commanding general's urgent call for reinforcements. The general stated frankly that we could lose this thing if he does not receive them.
It's not just a matter of winning the conflict. My concern is leaving our sons and daughters hanging out, vulnerable, without furnishing everything they need to succeed and come home safely. Unfortunately, I see parallels with Vietnam: Our elected officials dither while our children die. It probably highlights the danger of having non-military people making decisions about military affairs when they know nothing about it. It's time to "go" or get off the pot.
If we won't give our troops what they need to succeed in this mission, we just need to run up the white flag and bring them home. Don't abandon them to die.
Catherine Cabe.
Montpelier.
Reader Reactions
Mr. Talley:
I am a member of a tribe known as the Greatest Generation.
The Greatest Generation continually elected democrats and republicans, or in other words, corruption. I’m not sure that you have a leg to stand on.
Perhaps I’m wrong but I’m guessing that you’re also anti-immigration. If so, do you see the irony of complaining about payments of true Native Americans?
“Forget their handout, where’s mine?“
Mr. Talley…
The Lumbee Nation has approx. 50,000 citizens… Yes, 50,000. The $800 million figure is an “opportunity” figure.
The Virgina Tribe, collectively, may have “access” to about $6-10 million over the next 5 years… This includes grants for which there MUST be “matching cash” or the like as well as loans which must be paid just like any other loan.
We will be only “eligible” for these type of monies, which are provided to ALL governmental entities such as the State, Counties, Cities and Municipalities for Infrastructure, Housing, Social Services, Health Services, etc. By the Tribes performing these functions, internally, the other governmental entities will be alleviated of this responsibility.
The Tribes being recognized means just that… we will be recognized as being the governmental entity that we have always been but now we will receive the same assistance as the other type of governments. We are NOT a Club, we retain that governmental sovereignty we have always had yet not recognized by the United States as an entity in and of itself.
We do not ask for any special assistance, just that of a normal functioning governmental subdivision under the Federal Government. States, Counties, Cities and Municipalities need these funds to function just as well will as they are “our” paid-in Federal tax monies as well. As for State support… we have never recieved such and do not expect to receive such in the future.
Blackbird:
All I can say is, Fantastic.
Who Will Win Next Recognition
When I moved to Virginia, one of the first things you learn about Viginia is about Jamestown. You learn all these strange Indian names..Powhattan, Powhite, Chincoteague and more.
But then try to find a real Indian?
Ever wonder what happened to the Indians? I mean the story goes the White Man moved in, the Indians died from disease or were killed, or were pushed out of their lands….but didn’t some remain? Like in other parts of the country? Florida has a few reservations. The West has some. Weren’t some peaceful and remained friends? How did we learn about Tobacco and Corn? From our enemies? I just have a hard time
blaming countries all over the world for Genocide , and in the case of Israel helping them to create a new nation based on history MUCH older then the Indians. We still support Israel with BILLIONS of Dollars a year based on THEIR history, but yet we can’t acknowledge our OWN history.
The Trail of Tears is a similar story to many, many people of over the world.
A few years ago there was talk of Armenian Genocide, and recognizing that in Congress, which was a noble idea, but what of our own country?
I think many Native Americans would like a little more recognition for shaping our history in many postive ways. Yes, the money helps, but I think the recognition would be just as helpful. Our sense of environmental stewardship and taking care of the earth goes back to Native Americans. Our sense of equality and government goes back to the way Native Americans held Tribal Councils and treated their fellow members. We have a lot more to learn from Indains then “they were savages”. We need to recognize their vital contributions to what it means to be an American. Why are Americans different then any other country? Part of it has to do with our early interactions with Native Americans, who taught us what it means to be American.
Mr. Talley, Mr. Swadley, Mrs. Cabe:
Well said!, all three of you.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement