In the United States, in 2013, most Americans believe it is wrong to judge some one on the basis of their race. Sadly, Ravalli County, Montana, Planning Board Chair Jan Wisniewski does not feel this way. Wisniewski’s racist views towards Native Americans became crystal clear in a meeting where officials of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes meet with Ravalli County commissioners to explain the tribe’s plan to put land that they hold sacred and THAT THE TRIBE OWNS into federal trust. After some Ravalli County officials asked questions about the possibility of the tribe putting a casino or race track on the property, which, as mentioned, the tribe believes to be sacred land, Planning Board Chair Wisniewski asserted that in his networking with Havre law enforcement officials, they told him Havre has a “drunken Indian problem” in their jails. Most of us will admit that connecting a transfer of property to trust status to an assertion that Native Americans are all drunks takes a lot of work, but Wisniewski was undeterred in his effort to show both his willingness to challenge reason and logic as well as his racism. Also, given that many people in America—of every race—have a problem with drinking, Wisniewski might consider showing a little sympathy to those whose struggle with this disease. At any rate, it is obvious from his hateful and hate-filled words that Indians will never get fair consideration from him. (By the way, Mr. Wisniewski, it’s 2013.) Montana Native Vote Ravalli County opposes putting tribal land in trust 2 hours ago • Associated Press HAMILTON — Ravalli County opposes a plan by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to put 58 acres of tribally owned land into federal trust, saying it will lose $808 in annual property taxes. Tribal officials met with commissioners Wednesday in Hamilton to explain the value of the sacred site known as the Medicine Tree. County officials questioned the benefit of putting the land in trust and expressed concerns the tribe might build a casino or a racetrack that could impact county services. The meeting ended on a contentious note when the countys planning board chairman said hed recently visited with law enforcement officials in Havre who complained about their jails being filled with drunken Indians. Tribal council member Steve Lozar says he was deeply offended.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:26:13 +0000
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