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Opinion: Mississippi Choctaws not the victims
Thursday, July 28, 2005
"The fortunes of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are well documented and marketed to the general public. They are a testament to overcoming racism and prospering against overwhelming odds. Even so, their leadership, federally recognized tribes in their region and their lobbyist colleagues have left one clear victim while pursuing their economic ventures.
National news has broadcast loudly and clearly that the Mississippi Choctaw are in collusion with lobbyists and politicians to suppress gaming and tribal recognition processes, especially in the neighboring state of Alabama. The Mississippi Choctaw’s recent 'testimony' in front of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs left the national audience with the impression that they were the ones who were scammed during all of this. They played the 'us poor Indians' card. The reality is that they still employ the very same lobbyists, minus one individual (Jack Abramoff) who they claim scammed them. Does the name Kevin Ring, 'ring' a bell? He is the same individual who was pleading the 5th during the Senate Select Committee hearing when questions as to his role in the scam were asked of him."
Get the Story:
Cedric Sunray: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians: From social reality to legal fiction
(The Native American Times 7/27)
Committee Exhibits:
Part 1 |
Part 2
Witness List/Testimony:
Oversight
Hearing Before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on the In Re Tribal
Lobbying Matters, Et Al (June 22, 2005)
Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians -
http://www.choctaw.org
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