Just when you think governments can’t possibly get anymore stupid...
This little fuss happened at a rather inopportune time. It would have been better for the Iroquois to have waited for the implementation of their independent passports, until the world at large got the issue sorted out. Not pressing the issue right when it was going to screw up something of importance to them.
Perhaps the players should have thought about that before making their political statement. If you want to be your own country, then be your own country, and accept all the responsibility that comes with that - like negotiating visitation and immigration treaties with sovereign nations.
Rivercat, I have mixed thoughts on it, but when it gets right down to it, this could have been hashed out some time ago, or later on. Making a stand when it’s going to cost your youth is rotten.
It bothers me these kids had to forfeit a game. It’s double that for me because these people invented the sport. It also bothers me we are being gamed on this issue right now.
Who was stupid here? Our government or the Iroquois for picking this moment to demand something on short notice?
I’m going to have to come down on the side of the Iroquois being stupid at this moment in time.
While I personally remain mostly happy with my maternal grandparents decision to “leave the reservation”, I am not going to make snap judgements without all the facts, regarding the people who decided to retain their full tribal rights.
It is a messed up situation.
The fact remains that certain recognized tribes have legally negotiated treaty rights within the USA. I understand there are many people who are entirely ignorant regarding these tribes, and the problems they continue to have with various levels of state and federal government agencies. It seems to me that the BIA and the State Department could have easily issued waiver documents,had they wanted to do so. Tribal members identities are generally more thoroughly documented than that of our current POTUS.