Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Theatre B
Theatre B
at
Native Storytelling at the Movies and Apples Top Trailers
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=12562&pst=712046
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Buffalohair: Oh Bummer
Oh Bummer
Posted in America's with tags Healthcare Reform, Obama on July 23, 2009 by buffalohair
Anticipating clarity and substance I gathered with elders to listen to Barack Obama’s pitch for National Healthcare. Quietly I sat as Obama made his much hyped oratory to the American people when an elderly gentleman said; “When is he going to become president?” The room filled with octogenarians burst into laughter. The dialogue then turned from healthcare to a field of jabs and criticisms about the president and his constant use of double talk and fear to move his agenda. Then another senior citizen said flatly; “He’s just another liar”
Being the youngster in the group I sat quietly as this group of seniors outlined a few key points in this much touted speech. What they said was quite remarkable since this group of people were staunch supporters of Obama, in the beginning. Their main concern was wondering what Obama’s ulterior motivation was for nationalized healthcare in the first place. They found it off point for the president to blame George W. Bush for the economy and were surprised a president would call a police department stupid. Then the issue of rushing this healthcare program came into focus. “What’s the rush to pass this bill when it’s not going to take effect for 5 years? We’ll be dead by then”
The general consensus was that Obama said a whole lot about nothing and talked in circles. They pointed out the fact Obama has been campaigning ever since he took office and appointed people that we did not elect to do his job. They listed volumes of broken promises, false hope and miles of campaign rhetoric that the media and the general public have forgotten. The issue of healthcare was overshadowed by Obama’s love of the limelight and the notion he was only a mouth piece for the corporations that financed the election.
A veteran from WWII was not amused by Obama one bit and noted that he lost many friends fighting for democracy in the war. He was not happy that Obama was ignoring the Constitution like George W. Bush did and wished he never voted or campaigned for him. What I got from these elderly American’s about Obama’s speech was not opinions about healthcare but his presidency as a whole. They feel duped and hornswaggled, in their words.
As for myself I am on the fence on the issue since I’ve seen insurance companies disallow services causing death to patients. I was forced to walk around for months with a broken neck and back before I was allowed care and I was paying a premium price for my healthcare insurance. My sister died waiting for care and my mom lost her right eye from bogus healthcare. If it were not for the Teamsters Union I would be paralyzed or dead by now. And since I lived in Canada I witnessed first hand doctors making house calls with medication in hand after only one phone call to make a request for care.
It is my personal opinion that healthcare, education and the department of corrections should never have been placed in the public sector for profit in the first place. This was the real reason why healthcare costs skyrocketed as well as the cost of education. Privatized prisons only gave way to lobbyists who demanded long prison terms for relatively minor offences. In turn this caused a boom in prison populations to house American’s for nothing more than smoking a joint. Now that California and other states can no longer foot the bill they are releasing these needlessly jailed prisoners. In the richest country in the world you’d think we the people had a few entitlements such as quality of life and education anyway. But it was the greed factor that has become the axiom that prevails in government. Donald Rumsfeld designed the prescription drug scam that raised the costs of healthcare even further.
This healthcare debacle has only opened a can of worms I do believe because other issues are coming under the microscope. It’s all about the money and it makes me wonder who is actually going to profit from this healthcare proposal and what is the ulterior motive? After all, the government has done little for America’s loosing their homes and jobs while lining the pockets of corporations and lucrative special interests. Obama pandered for the first bail-out while still a senator using fear and the need for expediency to rush the cash into the hands of criminals. Frankly, I found his speech hopelessly lacking in content, substance and now I wonder what the real agenda is. Maybe he should have used his teleprompter or got a new writer.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
Buffalohair
The Decline and Fall of the First Amendment
Posted in America's with tags Bill Clinton, Corporatism, Democracy, First Amendment, Hillary Clinton, Obama on August 4, 2009 by buffalohair
Last week I wrote a spirited article about an encounter with senior citizens. It was a lively piece since these octogenarians were once staunch Obama supporters. They pulled no punches and had some hard questions with both the Democratic and Republican Parties. In any event these survivors of the last Depression had both eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel and were of most ethnic groups other than celestial, I think. In any event it was an honest slice of Americana and they did not mince words nor sugarcoat their opinions.
Harmless enough eh, just another news story that will not see much daylight from the mainstream. I’m used to getting mail from people who do not share my opinion and that is a good thing since they have an opinion of their own. After all it’s a free country, right? Some are more spirited than others and that’s how it goes. But never before had I received such vial and contemptuous hate mail as I did from Obama hardliners. They showed me that if you don’t share the opinion of their politicians you are an enemy of the state, possible terrorist or a racist. The issue of healthcare then became overshadowed by a campaign of intimidation, hate and degradation. Anyone who opposes anything about this current administration faces a career disaster and placed on the right wing whackos list as per the request from Janet Napolitano. What ever happened to freedom of speech or expression? The government no longer agrees to disagree they declare war on an individual and dissect them in the publics eye. Political correctness has taken the place of morality, honor and truth. Gads, even Hillary Clinton’s mob was not as vulgar or vial as these fanatical supporters. And to think I voted for this clown.
I was told that I was an SOB for not supporting my president and I should be shipped back to where I cam from. I was also told I was a racist. Hmm, well it’s true I am and SOB who does not agree with many things the president and his administration has done. I’m still in favor of the Constitution of the United States of America, silly me. Granted, I really am pissed off that almost everything that pushed me into voting for Ohbummer was all “campaign rhetoric”. Think the most crucial thing for me this election was stopping the Clinton’s from stealing more of the silverware and lining their pockets on our dime. Now we have Hillary making deals in secret with China while we all fuss over the healthcare smoke screen.
Like a fox guarding the hen house, the Clinton’s are back in the saddle with China’s vested interests at heart with our economy. And now Bill comes to the rescue for the two journalists captured in North Korea. Why didn’t Al Gore make a move on behalf of his own reporters? They do work for Al Gore’s Current TV you know. Looks like a Clinton PR moment to me. Knowing a deal was cut before Bill flew over to Jongland should have raised eye browns. The fact a delegation of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations led by Vice-President Tao Jian arrived in North Korea a day before Bill should have been another indicator this was going to be a Clinton photo op. It was also an “in your face Obama” from the Hillary for Prez camp as well. But I doubt the Obama camp will catch that one unless it’s written on a teleprompter.
But why stop there Bill? There is an American Viet Nam Veteran (John William Yettaw) in dire medical condition in a Burmese prison that would like to come home as well. Or is Burma the deep dark secret in spite of their nuclear weapons consortium with North Korea? Frankly I do not understand why only now the fed is barely speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program with Burma. News about Burma’s secret tunnels and nuclear aspiration is old news for us Asian correspondents. Then again Hillary Clinton, China’s premier diplomat has Asia under control. Oh Boy! So now she is going to finish where Bill left of in selling American industries. It was disgusting to hear China scold Hillary about our economy while it’s their country that took our jobs and economy, thanks Bill.
As for being shipped back to where I came from I would not need any gas money, course my cousin might. My people are Indigenous to the Plains so I am already here. I have to chuckle when I hear people call me a racist though. While the government and the media argue about black issues there is not even a peep about the red guys, yellow guys, brown guys and a slew of pink and beige guys. Hmm, sounds racist to me. Surely there are other ethnic groups within the US. I’d make a bad racist anyway since I have friends and business associates around the world. Don’t get me wrong I’ve struggled with racial hatred growing up and would have plenty to snivel about if I chose to. There was nothing fun about growing up Indigenous in the 50’s. Also, I think it’s beyond stupid to lower test scores so minorities can pass tests. I’m a minority and had to pass ridged tests for the fire service, FEMA and the EPA back in the day. There was no dumb down algebra when I went to college and I hated it just like the white guys. If I failed I studied harder and tested again like so many other minorities have done in the past. What’s wrong with being intelligent anyway? Why dumb down a nation in the first place?
But what really peeved me about these assaults was a statement made towards me about being a slave owner. I’m not a descendant of slave owners but ironically Barack Hussein Obama is. On his mom’s side of the family he is a descendant of the all mighty presidents club from 17th century Virginia. To the chagrin of those Birthers, Barack is as American as apple pie and blood related to Dick Cheney, Hillary Clinton, Lyndon Johnson and a host of other politicians and mucky mucks whose blood lines flow from 17th Century Colonial slave owning white Virginia. Like an African American chum of mine once said, “Obama ain’t Ghetto”. It is patently offensive for a president of the United States to change his vernacular when speaking to a black audience as compared to a white one though. Isn’t that a form of racially motivated pandering? Or was it racist of me to even think it was?
From what I’ve gathered from my hate mail I am a racist hate monger who hates Al Gore and Earth as well. Others simply want to give me lead poisoning, capice? It’s the level of pure hatred in the regular hate mail that astounded me though. Death threats were about average, maybe a little more hateful in its wording. The general theme of the communications bordered on fanatical and demeaning at best. So much for freedom of the press, speech and expression eh. It was very sad to note these educated people were frustrated and deeply angered by my little story. Hope they hate this one as well. Yeah, at least they were reading my stuff, I got a response and that’s all a writer can ask for eh. From a street kids perspective I see a power play being perpetrated on the American public. A well organized group is trying to take control of the media, politicians and our country through intimidation, “Control the media and you control the masses” Mob rule is the best way to describe it because the voice of the people has been effectively silenced and ignored. And the First Amendment has no place in the new government that is being formed right before your very eyes.
No, I don’t hate Al Gore either. But I do find it strange his handlers will exclude renowned scientists from challenging his environmental agenda in Europe or the US when Al has an open forum though. Arnold single handedly terminated California’s economy with flawed science and a phony scientist (Hien Tran). I always question someone who can’t stand on both legs in a speech or debate. If you truly believe in the science or theorem you expound as your platform then you should face all challengers in earnest and determination. Dare I mention the use of Teleprompters? Then Al “Half Science” Gore only uses science that moves his agenda forward, (corporatism). Other facts and breaking news are discounted and ignored. The very science he uses also tells of the cycles the Earth goes through but that part does not count. It also tells of how we are living in one of the longest temperate periods between ice ages since creation. From an indigenous point of view we are in for a very ruff ride environmentally and there is no turning back the clock of destiny for it was written eons ago. It’s time for Earth to hose off all the vermin anyway. Civil Society has long since ceased to exist since economics took precedents over humanity. Man will just get greedier and greedier if nature does not put a stop to it. So let the games begin.
I am not left or right of center, I am just a disenfranchised American just like the vast majority of the people I’ve interviewed across the country over the last two years. But it is heartening to note that we are the majority and not the minority like the media likes to purport. That is something we the people must realize, we still control our votes provided this administration does not fix things for us. We are not alone with our dismay in the absolute corruption that earmarks our house of representatives, congress and the presidency. While we still have the right we must vote all these parasites out of their lucrative jobs representing corporations while lining their pockets with our blood money, plain and simple. It’s time for a new party. For you Ohbummers who want to put the whack on me. Well come on down to Dallas and maybe you can make my day. As for the rest of you goons who don’t agree with what I have to say, that’s OK since it is still your right. But if you don’t pay attention we all will be drinking victory gin while watching Big Brother on the community boob tube.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Buffalohair: The Great Lie and Destiny
The Great Lie and Destiny
Posted in America's with tags Chicken Little, Corporatism, Fascism, Obama, One World Order on July 22, 2009 by buffalohair
As Barack Obama and henchman Rahm Emanuel makes another pitch for the tax payer dollar by convincing us all is well American’s continue to lose jobs and homes. Clearly the people to have benefitted from these bail-outs and give-a-ways were members of the House of Representatives and Congress. Both sides of the isle were enriched and their retirement accounts secured regardless of the rhetoric the Dems and Reps spewed to the public. With the main stream media owned part and parcel by the very corporations pining for a One World Order we got a sugar frosted “crap sandwich” generations in the future will be paying off. Democracy has already past into history since the voice of the people has been placed on ignore as the Constitution becomes nothing more than a piece of paper.
The one thing both the Democratic and Republican parties have done was systematically divide the people then conquer a nation from within. The reality of how deeply invested our so called politicians were in all these criminally negligent corporations should have been a red flag. In a civil society politicians would have recused themselves from voting or participating in the debates involving the bail-outs and other corporate scams. It would have been the honorable thing to do since they had personal vested interests and stood to gain substantial monetary gain. On the contrary we were convinced that these bail-outs would help mom and pop and the American public by their constant Chicken Little banter and shock doctrine.
Likened to George Orwell’s novels, 1984 and Animal Farm our political arena has become the greatest con game in world history comparable to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. Though it is said we are moving towards socialism we must be reminded this is not the case. We are moving towards international corporatism. To quote Benito Mussolini; “Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power” Another term directly associated with this rush for gold is Globalization or the One World Order. These axioms are not to benefit the general public but designed to reap a handsome profit for a hand full of people. It’s all about the corporate bottom line.
We the people are no longer citizens of our respective nations; we are simply consumers with no voice and resemble cattle to be fattened up for slaughter. Like chickens in a coup we rush from one sweet talking farmer to another seeking crumbs they toss to us. And like the chickens, we fight with one another over the scraps in a desperate need to survive. This is disaster capitalism at its best since now we are desperately in dire need of sustenance and will deal with the devil himself just to stay afloat. By crippling the economy beyond the point of no return our politicians paved the way for a global solution that will “save” America and the free world from financial doom. In the process liberty and the core essence of democracy will disappear into the annals of history. The world population will be relegated to indentured servitude, lock stock and tomahawk.
Ah but this scenario was predicted thousands of years ago if we bother to pay attention to prophecies from the myriad of dogma’s from around the world. While corporatists greedily anticipate the time we become a one world order, officially, nature and destiny have other plans that will surely put a monkey wrench in their plan. Within all these prophecies it is said that nature will have the final say. Money and material wealth will have no value and humanity will be humbled. It was also said in essence that for those who follow the Pier Piper of false hopes and dreams would parish and the meek shall inherit the Earth. I’ve seen this in my visions since I was a child. I’m not privy to these visions since I believe all people have the ability to see them if they tried. For the most part mankind chooses to live in the here and now, tossing anything within the supernatural in the proverbial dumpster of superstition. This will be the greatest error in human history and will guarantee their untimely demise. This was prophesized as well for many people will not buy into the ancient warnings or the teachings of crusty old Wiseman.
Oh well, to bad so sad and now mankind is grasping at straws while bogus politician’s guild humanity into the one world order. On the bright side this is not the final outcome but a segway for the real main event. You can run but you can’t hide for destiny is just around the corner. In my eyes civilization has come full circle since economics has become the order of the day. Humanity has been tossed aside for profits and the corporate bottom line. Mankind has become no better than the Neanderthal who’s only concern was what they could take from others in feudal wars over a berry patch or hunting grounds. Civilization has ceased to exist since there is nothing civil about our society. It’s all about the money Paisan, It’s all about the money.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ala. city plows beneath Indian site for Sam's Club
Ala. city plows beneath Indian site for Sam's Club
By JAY REEVES Associated Press Writer The Associated Press
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 5:33 AM EDT
This July 14, 2009 photo shows city project manager Fred Denney standing atop a hill... (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
OXFORD, Ala. (AP) — Bucket loaders and bulldozers are tearing apart a hill that researchers call the foundation of an ancient Native American site to provide fill dirt for a Sam's Club store, a move that appalls preservationists.
Tribal advocates and state officials say a large stone mound that tops the 200-foot rise was put there a millennium ago by Indians during a religious observance. It is similar to rock mounds found up and down the Eastern Seaboard, historians say, and likely dates to Indians of the Woodlands period that ended in 1000 A.D.
"It's just heartbreaking," said Elizabeth Ann Brown of the Alabama Historical Commission. "I find it hard to believe that for fill dirt anyone would do this."
Despite a city-commissioned study that found tribal artifacts in the red clay that makes up the mound, Oxford Mayor Leon Smith denies the work by the city is damaging anything important. He said the stones atop the hill are a natural part of what locals call Signal Mountain and were exposed by millions of years of erosion.
"It's the ugliest old hill in the world," said Smith, who has overseen a mushrooming of big-box stores in this east Alabama city of 15,000 during his seven terms as mayor.
The hill certainly is an eyesore these days. Its wooded sides have been stripped bare, and the red soil is being trucked downhill to the site of a new Sam's warehouse store and a small retail strip, where it's being used to build up a good base for foundations.
The rock mound perched atop the hill is mostly undisturbed so far, though it is denuded save for a few spindly trees that haven't been knocked down. Officials with Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said no material from the rock mound is going into the site where the store is under construction.
Brown said the state lacks the power to halt the project, and petitions and protests haven't done anything to stop the work. Big yellow dump trucks rumble up and down the hill, located behind a retail development just off Interstate 20, about 60 miles east of Birmingham.
City project manager Fred Denney said officials plan to remove the top of the hill eventually to create an elevated, eight-acre site that will overlook the Choccolocco Valley and the city of Oxford.
"It would be a beautiful view," said the mayor, who envisions a motel or restaurant atop the hill.
Indian historian Robert Thrower is aghast at what he sees as the city's lack of concern for the historical importance of the site, which he said is similar to others along the East Coast. Groups have saved rock mounds in Montague, Mass., North Smithfield, R.I., and elsewhere.
"With increasing development occurring, these sites are in jeopardy," said Thrower, a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama and chairman of culture and heritage for the United South and Eastern Tribes. "Here, you're looking at a site that is a sacred site for us."
Denney said the city purchased the hill and surrounding acreage several years ago for $10 million for development. Faced with questions about an ancient Indian site, Smith said the city paid the University of Alabama $60,000 to study the mound.
University of Alabama researchers found six shards of Indian pottery under rocks atop the mountain, and their report said the mound was likely built by Indians during the late Woodlands period.
Researchers didn't discover any evidence of burial sites among the rocks, though they said such remains could have been lost to erosion or looting. Oxford's mayor said the lack of bones means there's no reason not to bulldoze the mound.
"It's just a pile of rocks is all it is," said Smith.
City officials deny they are insensitive to history. Denney said officials have banned development at a 12-acre site about a half-mile from the hill because archaeologists found evidence that Indians once had a community there.
Thrower said Indians from that settlement possibly carried many of the rocks up the steep hill to mark a place of prayer or to commemorate special events. There's no way to move the stones elsewhere and preserve the site, he said.
"A colleague of mine referred to these places as `prayers in stone,'" Thrower said. "For us it's immaterial whether there are burial or historical artifacts present. The site itself is historic."
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Why Sarah Palin is resigning! A bit of Humor in the News?
Why Sarah Palin is resigning! A bit of Humor in the News?
Sarah Palin, Washington Post Op-Ed Writer
By The Cajun Boy, 4:50 AM on Tue Jul 14 2009, 16,798 views
Sarah Palin and the Washington Post have come together as one and given birth to a Sarah PalinWashington Post op-ed piece. Yeah.
Sarah Palin’s new job? Attacking Obama’s clean energy jobs plan and keeping us hooked on Big Oil and Coal. Palin’s lies are a real threat because she gets lots of media attention.
Well, now we know why Sarah Palin is quitting as governor of Alaska.
Picture that came out after Sarah whispered to Obama, Don’t forget about Oil and Alaska!
Obama and Palin Dancing With The Stars Picture
A fake photo depicting Barack Obama and Sarah Palin on Dancing With The Stars.
politicalhumor.about.com/…/barackobama/…Obama-Pictures/Dancing-With-The-Stars.htm
In a Washington Post column, she just announced her new focus: killing our chance to build a clean energy economy, starting with the energy bill currently in Congress.
Her op-ed is a marvel of misinformation and outright lies. Just like conservatives in Congress, Palin is trotting out the “energy taxes” scare tactic, and arguing instead for more drilling and more dirty coal. This bill already has too many giveaways to Big Coal and Big Oil, but it’s still not enough for Palin.
As ridiculous as Sarah Palin’s lies are, they’re getting attention, and they’re a real threat to clean energy.
This is the same Sarah Palin who doesn’t believe climate change is caused or speeded up by humans.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/palin-global-wa.html
The same Sarah Palin who is obsessed with drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Looking for Sarah Palin
And the same Sarah Palin who’s looking for controversial issues to launch a 2012 presidential bid.
Now she’s positioning herself as the face of the conservative attack against clean energy, against the Clean Air Act—even against the creation of millions of new jobs in solar and wind.
Jesse Berney: Sarah Palin’s Washington Post Op-Ed: The First Draft
Jul 14, 2009 … Sarah Palin published an op-ed in the Washington Post today. … As clearly as the WaPo op-ed piece was written by a ghost writer, …
www.huffingtonpost.com/…/sarah-palins-washington-p_b_231544.html
Washington Post, Fred Hiatt turn op-ed page into a “joke” with yet …
Jul 14, 2009 … Memo to Washington Post and editorial page editor Fred Hiatt: We …. Second-
rate sports writer George Will had no more “authority” than Sarah Palin to … It’s obvious why the Post gave Palin space on the Op-Ed…
climateprogress.org/…/washington-post-fred-hiatt-climate-and-clean-energy-action-sarah-palin/
Art Brodsky: How Much More Pathetic Can the Washington Post Get …
Washington Post, Fred Hiatt turn op-ed page into a “joke” with yet another … In what can best be described as mildly coherent rambling, Sarah Palin, …Washington Post op-ed writer …
scienceblips.dailyradar.com/…/art_brodsky_how_much_more_pathetic_can_the_washington/ – 21 hours ago
Not Humor But on the Serious Side of News
| Not Humor But on the Serious Side of News |
|---|
Sarah Palin’s Record on Alaska Native and Tribal Issues
Perhaps no issue is of greater importance to Alaska Native peoples as the right to hunt and fish according to ancient customary and traditional practices, and to carry on the subsistence way of life for future generations.
Governor Sarah Palin has consistently opposed those rights.
1.
Palin has attacked Alaska Native Subsistence Fishing
Once in office, Governor Palin decided to continue litigation that seeks to overturn every subsistence fishing determination the federal government has ever made in Alaska. (State of Alaska v. Norton, 3:05-cv-0158-HRH (D. Ak).) In pressing this case, Palin decided against using the Attorney General (which usually handles State litigation) and instead continued contracting with Senator Ted Stevens’ brother-in-law’s law firm (Birch, Horton, Bittner & Cherot).
The goal of Palin’s law suit is to invalidate all the subsistence fishing regulations the federal government has issued to date to protect Native fishing, and to force the courts instead to take over the roll of setting subsistence regulations. Palin’s law suit seeks to diminish subsistence fishing rights in order to expand sport and commercial fishing.
In May 2007, the federal court rejected the State’s main challenge, holding that Congress in 1980 had expressly granted the U.S. Interior and Agriculture Departments the authority to regulate and protect Native and ruralsubsistence fishing activities in Alaska. (Decision entered May 15, 2007 (Dkt. No. 110).)
Notwithstanding this ruling, Palin continues to argue in the litigation that the federal subsistence protections are too broadand should be narrowed to exclude vast areas from subsistence fishing, in favor of sport and commercial fishing. Palin opposes subsistence protections in marine waters, on many of the lands that Natives selected under their 1971 land claims settlement with the state and federal governments, and in many of the rivers where Alaska Natives customarily fish. (Alaska Complaint at 15-18.) Palin also opposes subsistence fishing protections on Alaska Native federal allotments that were deeded to individuals purposely to foster Native subsistence activities All these issues are now pending before the federal district court.
2.
Palin has attacked Alaska Native Subsistence Hunting
Palin has also sought to invalidate critical determinations the Federal Subsistence Board has made regarding customary and traditional uses of game, specifically to take hunting opportunities away from Native subsistence villagers and thereby enhance sport hunting. Palin’s attack here on subsistence has focused on the Ahtna Indian people in Chistochina.
Although the federal district court has rejected Palin’s challenge, she has carried on an appeal that was argued in August 2008. (State of Alaska v. Fleagle, No. 07-35723 (9th Cir.))
In both hunting and fishing matters, Palin has continued uninterrupted the policies initiated by the former Governor Frank Murkowski Administration, challenging hunting and fishing protections that Native people depend upon for their subsistence way of life in order to enhance sport fishing and hunting opportunities. Palin’s lawsuits are a direct attack on the core way of life of Native Tribes in rural Alaska.
3.
Palin has attacked Alaska Tribal Sovereignty
Governor Palin opposes Alaska tribal sovereignty.
Given past court rulings affirming the federally recognized tribal status of Alaska Native villages, Palin does not technically challenge that status. But Palin argues that Alaska Tribes have no authority to act as sovereigns, despite their recognition.
So extreme is Palin on tribal sovereignty issues that she has sought to block tribes from exercising any authority whatsoever even over the welfare of Native children, adhering to a 2004 legal opinion issued by the former Murkowski Administration that no such jurisdiction exists (except when a state court transfers a matter to a tribal court).
Both the state courts and the federal courts have struck down Palin’s policy of refusing to recognize the sovereign authority of Alaska Tribes to address issues involving Alaska Native children. Native Village of Tanana v. State of Alaska, 3AN-04-12194 CI (judgment entered Aug. 26, 2008) (Ak. Super. Ct.); Native Kaltag Tribal Council v. DHHS, No. 3:06-cv-00211-TMB (D. Ak.), pending on appeal No 08-35343 (9th Cir.)). Nonetheless, Palin’s policy of refusing to recognize Alaska tribal sovereignty remains unchanged.
4.
Palin has attacked Alaska Native Languages
Palin has refused to accord proper respect to Alaska Native languages and voters by refusing to provide language assistance to Yup’ik speaking Alaska Native voters. As a result, Palin was just ordered by a special three judge panel of federal judges to provide various forms of voter assistance to Yup’ik voters residing in southwest Alaska. Nick v. Bethel, No. 3:07-cv-0098-TMB (D. Ak.) (Order entered July 30, 2008).Citing years of State neglect, Palin was ordered to provide trained poll workers who are bilingual in English and Yup’ik; sample ballots in written Yup’ik; a written Yup’ik glossary of election terms; consultation with local Tribes to ensure the accuracy of Yup’ik translations; a Yup’ik language coordinator; and pre-election and post-election reports to the court to track the State’s efforts.
In sum, measured against some the rights that are most fundamental to Alaska Native Tribes – the subsistence way of life, tribal sovereignty and voting rights – Palin’s record is a failure.
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Buffalohair: H1N1 Flu Resembles 1918 Flu
H1N1 Flu Resembles 1918 Flu
Posted in America's with tags H1N1 Virus, Pandemic, WHO on July 13, 2009 by buffalohair
Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lead a team of researchers in studying the *h1n1 flu and made a startling discovery. The h1n1 Swine Flu resembles the infamous 1918 Flu that killed approximately 100 million people. Unlike the common flu strains that settle in the nose and throat this virus attaches itself deep within the lungs causing pneumonia. Now the **World Health Organization calls this strain unstoppable.
Interestingly enough 9 out of 10 obese people who were hospitalized for the h1n1 flu appear to be more susceptible to this strain. It was noted they suffered gastrointestinal complications, blood clots in the lungs and multiple organ failure. Since this virus is in a constant state of flux people will have the opportunity to re-catch this strain as it morphs its way into history.
Unlike the 1918 pandemic this new strain has the all the conveniences of the 21st century to assist it in its travel around the globe. What once took disease months to travel only takes a few hours now. According to WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) it is imperative that healthcare workers are immunized first in order to maintain a functional healthcare system as this disease evolves further. It was also noted that each country would have to decide who is next in line for vaccinations because of the unusual behavior of this disease. Experts also suggested that drug manufacturers get moving on several drugs that may offer some assistance such as Tamiflu and Relenza, just to name a few.
As we rush around worrying about the world economy a microscopic bug may throw a monkey wrench into the works. Well, after all we are living in the time of change according to my people. And true to form man and his incredible ego will not have the power to alter the course of destiny. But I bet someone will try to profiteer from this disaster in the making. There is no bail-out for a pandemic and there is no legislation or campaign rhetoric that will make this flu go away with nice words. We simply need to stop spreading this disease physically and that’s the bottom line. Maybe if we took the first infection more seriously it would not have morphed like it did. Ah but hind sight is 20/20.
* http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE56C3K120090713?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
** http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE56C60820090713?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Buffalohair: VOTE FOR ANDREA MENARD
VOTE FOR ANDREA MENARD
There is nothing like shamelessly promoting friends of mine who just happen to be talented beyond words. Andrea Menard is just such a person. From stage, screen, TV and beyond Andrea has proven to be one of the most articulate actress/singer, writer, producer etc, etc, etc to come from the Prairie of Saskatchewan or anywhere else for that matter.
This stunning beauty from the Métis Nation has performed before the royal family in a memorable command performance and has graced the airwaves with her own television series, Rabbit Fall. Her voice is pure like the driven snow and as sweet as the finest honey.
See for yourself and discover the world of Andrea Menard then cast your vote in the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards.
Andrea Menards Site;
http://www.andreamenard.com/
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards
http://www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com
A word from Andrea;
Hi friends,
The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards have come around again, and I’m trying to get my new album, SPARKLE, officially nominated. I need your vote to allow me to make it to the second round!!
If you have a few minutes, please go to the site and register to vote. Remember, ANYONE and EVERYONE, ANYWHERE can vote.
This is what you do:
1. Go to the website http://www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com
2. Click on “Log In To Vote” and you will be prompted to give your email address.
3. Once you submitted, you will receive a username and password that'll be sent to your email address immediately.
4. Use the username and password to Log In
5. Vote
There are about 30 categories, so feel free to vote in all 30, but I ask that you at least vote for me in the following categories:
Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
Best Album Cover Design (Nation Media & Design)
Best International Artist
Best Music Video (Evergreen)
Best Producer/Engineer (Robert Walsh)
Single of the Year
_________________
Creativity is the byproduct of a fertile mind
There is nothing like shamelessly promoting friends of mine who just happen to be talented beyond words. Andrea Menard is just such a person. From stage, screen, TV and beyond Andrea has proven to be one of the most articulate actress/singer, writer, producer etc, etc, etc to come from the Prairie of Saskatchewan or anywhere else for that matter.
This stunning beauty from the Métis Nation has performed before the royal family in a memorable command performance and has graced the airwaves with her own television series, Rabbit Fall. Her voice is pure like the driven snow and as sweet as the finest honey.
See for yourself and discover the world of Andrea Menard then cast your vote in the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards.
Andrea Menards Site;
http://www.andreamenard.com/
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards
http://www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com
A word from Andrea;
Hi friends,
The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards have come around again, and I’m trying to get my new album, SPARKLE, officially nominated. I need your vote to allow me to make it to the second round!!
If you have a few minutes, please go to the site and register to vote. Remember, ANYONE and EVERYONE, ANYWHERE can vote.
This is what you do:
1. Go to the website http://www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com
2. Click on “Log In To Vote” and you will be prompted to give your email address.
3. Once you submitted, you will receive a username and password that'll be sent to your email address immediately.
4. Use the username and password to Log In
5. Vote
There are about 30 categories, so feel free to vote in all 30, but I ask that you at least vote for me in the following categories:
Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
Best Album Cover Design (Nation Media & Design)
Best International Artist
Best Music Video (Evergreen)
Best Producer/Engineer (Robert Walsh)
Single of the Year
_________________
Creativity is the byproduct of a fertile mind
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Buffalohair: Earth Fails H1N1 Flu Litmus Test
Earth Fails H1N1 Flu Litmus Test
Posted in Reflets Sombres with tags H1N1 Virus, Indigenous People, Pandemic, Prevention, Time of Change, WHO on July 2, 2009 by buffalohair 
- H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS
Apparently the relatively benign h1n1 flu virus has only killed thousands and not millions as once feared, thus far. Granted there are new cases popping up everyday around the world regardless of efforts to isolate this virus. Kudo’s to the World Health Organization who always maintained vigilance with this pandemic while others criticized them for overreacting. The death toll is still rising but who cares, people die all the time right?
Regardless of the virulence of the H1N1 virus this exercise or pandemic has shown how futile man’s efforts are to stop it whence disease reaches epidemic proportions. By the time vaccinations are finally produced to combat this strain it will have already mutated only providing a deterrent to the original strain. This is the scenario we will have when a much deadlier virus breaks out in the future. When we realize how deadly the next virus is it will be too late since we only pay attention after the fact. Prevention is considered overreacting these days as people and organizations are debased for their efforts to warn the public.
For the people who’ve lost family members from this strain it was just as devastating to them as the Black Plague or the 1918 pandemic that killed millions around the world. I lost a cousin and an aunt to another flu strain in years past with little fanfare so I’m vigilant regardless of the purported virulence of these civilized diseases. Pandemics and biological warfare have already devastated populations. Whether intentional or not the arrival of Europeans to the America’s killed off millions of Native’s do to the diseases they brought. Later cholera infested blankets devastated Indigenous tribes during conquest according to our oral history. With biological weapons in the arsenals of many nations this is a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) equal to or more then a thermal nuclear device.
The only real deterrent to the spread of disease is vigilance from the public at large and on an individual basis. We need to be more responsible and take some simple precautions. Man’s indifference to the cries of hungry and impoverished people has made the Earth a petri dish of new diseases. With famine on the rise it is guaranteed we will face much more virulent disease in the near future. Call it the domino effect for starvation breeds pestilence and pestilence breeds pandemics. It’s sad to note that profitability is the first priority when facing environmental and humanitarian issues. Small wonder many people will not survive the time of change. But I’ll bet they will have a nice portfolio and be fashionable dead.
Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair
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