Honor Indian Treaties - Get Involved

http://www.honorindiantreaties.com/act/ ^

[SheLion]

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Get Involved

New York State wants to break the law.

Governor Pataki has already called it unconstitutional.

And yet, it’s been adopted for the 2003-04 budget.

It’s a provision that calls for the State Department of Taxation and Finance to collect tax on the sale of tobacco and gasoline on Native American territories. The state’s unconstitutional action will cause over 1,000 Indians and non-Indians to lose their jobs, consumer prices to rise and businesses to close.

Tell Governor Pataki to honor the supreme law of the land. Tell him that to break centuries old treaties would be to break the law.

Click on the link below to send an email message to Governor Pataki.

Because it’s wrong.

Because it’s not fair.

Because you won’t let it happen.

Contact the Governor:

Call Governor Pataki at 518-474-7516 or send him an email message by visiting his web site (http://www.state.ny.us/governor/) and clicking on "Contact the Governor."

If you wish to contact other state representatives, visit the state Assembly home page (http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/) or the state Senate home page (http://www.senate.state.ny.us/).

We are also encouraging supporters to send letters to the editors of the daily newspapers in New York state. Links to most of the state's media outlets are on a web site called the Empire Page (http://www.empirepage.com/medialinks.html).

Sample Message:
If you wish, copy the text below and paste it into your message:

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This web site is sponsored by the Seneca Nation of Indians

 

[Chad Fairbanks]

Suggesting that is about time that natives become full and equal citizens, which means they have to work for a living and pay taxes, brings the usual screams of racism and bigotry.

Yeah, well here in the U.S., we ARE full and equal citizens who work for a living and pay taxes. But, I'm just repeating myself.

[lockjaw02]

AS Mr Fairbanks explained to you their sovereignty is based on Constitutional Law. Only the Federal government has the authority to enter into treaties.

I'm sorry I spoke to soon with that silly sarcastic remark since I see you've started doing some basic research while I was writing that.

What is your beef with criteria for tribal membership? You can renounce your American citizenship and apply for citizenship or at least legal residency to a number of other countries. You don't have to be bound by US federal or your specific state's taxes. You can always find someplace better, more to your liking.

You don't even have a homestead. You just lease it from the government as long as you're able to pay the rent.

The tribal nations recognized by treaty with the Republic of the United States deserve every bit of respect as any other sovereign entity contained by arbitrary geo-political boundaries that is also so recognized.

BTW, just so you know, I have no blood ties to any Native American tribe, a pure mongrel of European descent. I love and respect the Constitution, but am dismayed by the lack of reverence shown by not only our federal and state governments, but by the people from which it derives its powers as well.

[dr_who_2]

Reservations and the treaties that created them are a dumb idea. Taxes on cigarettes and alcohol are a dumb idea. New York State is probably revenue starved due to runaway spending and is being particularly dumb about the latter. Treaties with the indian "nations" is just one of those crumby things in the Constitution that will take a while longer to pare away (like slaves being 3/5ths of a person, the postal service, patents, the district of columbia, etc) Until then, if NY'ers are loading up on cheap Indian cigs and firewater, big friggin deal.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Hi :0) Thanks. Since you seem amenable, here's an excellent read you might like, about the system of government created by my forefathers -

http://www.fsc.edu/socsci/savant/CONST/CONST.HTM

Enjoy!

[lockjaw02]

My pleasure. I've done my time in the military and have sworn to defend the Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. The various tribes recognized under the enumerated powers of the Federal government are definitely not enemies, but sovereign entities with whom we have made various agreements, and those should be revered.

Thanks for the link. I have to admit, I've been far too ignorant about many issues affecting Native Americans. Always looking for the opportunity to learn more.

[Chad Fairbanks]

I've done my time in the military and have sworn to defend the Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

I think many people would be surprised to know how many indians have ALSO done that - did you know that 1 in 4 american indian males are military vets? ;0)

The various tribes recognized under the enumerated powers of the Federal government are definitely not enemies, but sovereign entities with whom we have made various agreements, and those should be revered.

Agreed. Most indians pay federal income taxes, and state income taxes if applicable, so I really don't understand what all teh hullabaloo is about. Apparently the out-of-control spending of various states has cause tehm to look for more revenue generation, and the various states have no right to levy taxes on indians and indian business without congressional approval, so naturally they are ticked... I guess controlling the spending is out of the question. ;0)

[July 4th]

If the tribes want to have their "sovereign" status, why not do things this way: If someone goes onto a reservation to buy cigarettes, on the way out, have a state "customs" checkpoint and charge them the import tax.

[Chad Fairbanks]

If the tribes want to have their "sovereign" status, why not do things this way: If someone goes onto a reservation to buy cigarettes, on the way out, have a state "customs" checkpoint and charge them the import tax.

Hey! Now THERE is an idea! But why stop with just SOME american citizens (the indians)? Let's do it for everyone! Customs checkpoints between every state, municipality, county, etc! That'll solve the tax question once and for all!

Good idea, man! Thanks for speaking up!

Only one question - since you are so eager to impose taxes on your fellow citizens, does that make you a democrat?

[lockjaw02]

Good point. Last time I left the country and returned, US customs law allowed tax-free importation of 200 cigarettes.

I guess we'd have to be restricted to two cartons everytime we entered and left tribal lands.

[Chad Fairbanks]

There's that, and I think that any state that tried to pull a "Customs" check, with an "Import Tax" would be slapped down pretty darn hard by the feds, since it is a power enumerated to the feds, and the feds alone...

Also, what is REALLY cracking me up is the fact that all Pataki will do with this venture is put non-indian people out of work. Among the mohawk (my people) in New York, there are quite a large number of non-indians who hold jobs in stores, professional positions working for the gov't etc... who would be put out of work by this taxation attempt. That Pataki - smart guy.

[lockjaw02]

I'm not surprised about how many Indians served in the military. I've socialized with quite a few myself. It would also be surprising to the average American about how many non-citizens serve in our military, such as Filipinos.

I never gave taxes much thought. Is that similar to laws pertaining to non-resident and resident aliens working?

You are right on the mark about the spending. My dad used to complain in the 60's about the ratio of government workers to the private sector. It's worse now. The more workers politicians employ, the more votes they get to keep themselves employed to keep the little people on the work for welfare dole, if you can call it work. I don't see where the glut of government workers pushing papers adds to productivity and building national wealth. We're still reeling from the stock market bust of 2000. Foreign investors stopped supporting our free spending habits. Japan's only coming out of a 15 year recession. How long will ours last in the death spiral of increasing taxes pushing down industry? Expect it to get worse before it gets better.

[Binghamton_native]

All our treaties are belong to us.

[lockjaw02]

Pataki doesn't care. They had a saying during Prohibition, that it was supported by Baptists and Bootleggers. Well the same with the anti-tobacco crusades of today being supported by Crusaders and Crooks. There are those that believe they are doing the Lord's work for society and those who are just trying to capitalize on transfer of wealth during the chaos.

Now they are after barowners with the ban. The goal is similar to Prohibition, force more out of business. MADD mothers and other crusaders got DUI laws BAC levels down to .08. Before long having a single beer will constitute being too intoxicated for driving. I can go on and on, but I'm sure you have other things to be concerned about.

Great link, BTW. Very interesting.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Do we have to pay them in perpetuity?

I don't know. Is your word good or isn't it? Right now it seems that you are following a path that is all too familiar.

Keeping your word only as long as it is convenient.

[Eska]

America has never honored their treaties, but natives don't believe or accept any govt contracts either. Get everything off whitey while ya can. Govt has ruined natives with welfare, people lack dreams, visions, or a future.

Live a year as the only white boy in a village and you begin to understand.

Problem is if they distribute tribal lands; it will all end up in the hands of white people within a few years. At least they have the land if it remains collectively owned.

The big thing natives have going for them is their belief that they are sovereign from America. To them in their village it doesn't matter a hill of beans what we think; only how they see themselves. Just imagine if Americans stood together on various issues; our govt would be more responsible.

[VermiciousKnid]

Anything (and I do mean damn near ANYTHING) that keeps MY money out of the greedy, grubby hands of the RINOs in Albany is Okey-dokey with me.

NY is crying foul now that they've forgotten Economics 101: when the price is too high, the consumers will either find a better deal or stop buying. Either way, the bozos here in New York are screwed.

They can try to shaft the Indian tribes, but all that will do is increase the REAL black market on cigs -- John Gotti, call your office!

I hope the Indians clean their clocks on this.

Regards,

[SheLion]

The Clinton administration was a treaty breaking administration and a trust fund stealing administration. It surprises me to see folks here advocate behaving in the same manner.

Exactly! I feel the same way. Presque Isle, Maine MicMac's are trying to have a store where they sell tax free cigarettes. I so GO FOR IT! I sure hope the Guv can't stop them in this endeavor!

[SheLion]

Chad, I'm MUCH more comfortable having the Native American's in America then I am all these diverse people coming in here. Native American's were here first! I'm for the Casino's and anything they can do to stick it to our lawmakers. The lawmakers are just SICK about the Native American's being able to go against "their wishes," which means 'CONTROL THE PEOPLE.' I'm sick of them! (the lawmakers)

[Right Wing Professor]

What is your beef with criteria for tribal membership? You can renounce your American citizenship and apply for citizenship or at least legal residency to a number of other countries. You don't have to be bound by US federal or your specific state's taxes. You can always find someplace better, more to your liking.

I don't think someone should be exempt from state taxes because one great grandfather out of seven great grandparents happened to be descended from a grandparent who might have been done out of his land by some sharp practice. The issue is no different from reparations. While the Indian wars were going on in the US, my ancestors were in Europe, getting the shaft in much the same way. We're living in the 21th century; why are we living with a system that sucked even in the 19th century?

[Right Wing Professor]

Well, we all know that the Indians have it so much better than the rest of us and are living it up while we starve.

Well, that's the point. they're not. Drive across the Pine Ridge reservation, just a few hours drive from here, and you won't believe you're in America; the desolation and the poverty need to be seen to be believed. It's no different from any other group of ethnic politicians. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get rich, and sell their supporters on a bunch of ethnic solidarity hooey.

The funny thing is, a lot of people have bought into the idea that the US owes the Indians something - and by Indians we mean someone who is 1/8 or even 1/16 of Indian ancestry - but they'll reject the same idea when it pertains to blacks. Why?