Should Native Americans (Or People On Welfare) Thank U.s. Govt?

[Mr Lee]

The other day my wife and I were watching a documentary about how the govt giveaways has hurt most Native Americans, yet one tribe the Lumbees who supposedly did not get any govt money have done very well. So while I feel this topic might be too racial and political to be discussed on this forum to any extent, we could try it if members keep politics and race out of the issue. To me after seeing the John Stossel documentary and reading the post on The Ranters Forum, (which should be able to be read without joining) I think both seems to show just how bad the welfare system is, and the harm it seems to have done to a race of people. Be sure to watch the second video on the below page. I am not sure if anything Stossel says is true or not, but why does one tribe do so well, while others live in poverty? Link to more information one John Stossel's documentary and some videos

[ekimswish]

I lived next to a big Indian / welfare neighborhood in Canada. Welfare day was when everyone marched to and from the liquor store all night long. Free university, on the other hand, does seem to have a positive effect on their communities. Not to mention Aboriginal TV funded by the Canadian government. Welfare, I'm not sure how I feel about it. After living in countries like Taiwan, Korea, and Philippines, welfare pulls me this way and that.

[JJReyes]

The John Stossel documentary is overly simplistic. There are other tribal groups who have also prospered including the so-called, "Casino Indians." The Seminole tribe now own all the Hard Rock cafes and casinos on a global basis. The Yavapai Apaches own five casinos. Each member receives a monthly check. If you are under 18, the money is deposited in a trust fund. Yavapai Apache is a very small tribe because the 7th Calvary killed most of them through a forced winter march known as, "The Trail of Tears." This was something similar to the Bataan Death March. Another group is the Yakima tribe through fishing rights and selling tax-free products on their reservation. Huge sums of money are allocated by the US Congress to help Native Americans. Please understand the money never gets to those who need it. Just like years of American aid to the Philippines, very little is left after administrative costs, payments to contractors, consultants, politicians and a few tribal elders. There are homes on the reservations that would remind you of Manila slums. No electricity, no water, no toilet. The John Stossel documentary implies the fault is with the Native Americans for accepting aid they never actually receive. I have many examples of how the federal and state governments continue to screw Native Americans. It is true Native Americans and Canadians have a drinking problem. Many tribes ban the sale and consumption of liquor on the reservation. However, right on the border next to tribal land are the 24 hours liquor stores. The tribes want to close these stores, but local government won't because sales generate tax revenues.

Edited August 24, 2011 by JJR

[Jake]

The John Stossel documentary is overly simplistic. There are other tribal groups who have also prospered including the so-called, "Casino Indians." The Seminole tribe now own all the Hard Rock cafes and casinos on a global basis. The Yavapai Apaches own five casinos. Each member receives a monthly check. If you are under 18, the money is deposited in a trust fund. Yavapai Apache is a very small tribe because the 7th Calvary killed most of them through a forced winter march known as, "The Trail of Tears." This was something similar to the Bataan Death March. Another group is the Yakima tribe through fishing rights and selling tax-free products on their reservation. Huge sums of money are allocated by the US Congress to help Native Americans. Please understand the money never gets to those who need it. Just like years of American aid to the Philippines, very little is left after administrative costs, payments to contractors, consultants, politicians and a few tribal elders. There are homes on the reservations that would remind you of Manila slums. No electricity, no water, no toilet. The John Stossel documentary implies the fault is with the Native Americans for accepting aid they never actually receive. I have many examples of how the federal and state governments continue to screw Native Americans. It is true Native Americans and Canadians have a drinking problem. Many tribes ban the sale and consumption of liquor on the reservation. However, right on the border next to tribal land are the 24 hours liquor stores. The tribes want to close these stores, but local government won't because sales generate tax revenues.

Hello JJR, "Overly simplistic" -- I totally agree. Each tribe and each reservation has their own unique problemsdealing with the US government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should only act as an advisory boardand not dictate policies to a tribe that has sovereignty. I believe that most American Indians are finallygaining their self worth (and self respect) after centuries of abuse. Here is southern CA, I have thepleasure of knowing a tribal member and his family who are very proud of their heritage and yet still live the humble life within the reservation. They do receive their monthly stipends from the casino butdefinitely do not flaunt it in any way. World history has shown that modern man have upset Mother Nature in so many ways, including thenear extinction of many indigenous people of the world. Respectfully -- Jake Edited August 25, 2011 by Jake
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