NAFPS Forum
Odds and Ends => Etcetera => Topic started by: flyaway on January 24, 2010, 09:53:47 pm
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I received this today, It certainly speaks the truth.:
January 21, 2010
I am writing to your network and/or affiliates to bring to your attention the disaster situation declared after a winter storm hit the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. On December 24th over 36 inches of snow fell on the people of Pine Ridge and with the winds created blizzard conditions. Over 1000 people
were in need of foods and propane. Elders in need of dialysis care could not be reached, and the tribe was having to access level of needs, and were forced to
turn people away whose needs were not determined great enough. We have been networking with other natives around the world and trying to secure aid
to our people suffering right here on American soil.
The people of Ridge live in the most poorest conditions in the entire United States. There has been a disaster state declared for a month with no coverage
from major media and no response from this governments administration. It is our belief that this government and Obama used our people as an election
point and when disaster strikes once again our people are left to freeze and die off slowly.
We feel that so the government can keep itself in good graces with the free world they pretend we don't exist. Where is Fema for the indigenous people of
this land? For the last couple weeks we have to watch as this government and mainstream media goes to the aid of Haiti and ignores the people in its own
borders.
After Katrina the last thing we expected was for this President to allow something like to go on. It goes to show that there is a trend that this government
has been on for too many years to count. Similar to the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policies it has in the Military. If the world doesn't know about the struggles
they allow my people to be in then no one knows and no on will care.
It is shameful what this country is doing to the American Indian and yet they call this the land of the free. Well I'd ask one news truck to come to Pine
Ridge and show the world how well this country takes care of its own, or is this just the slow genocide pace they have us on so we will die off slowly or kill
ourselves. This is the continuing of an effort in ethic cleansing and the genocide of the indigenous people of this land.
Written by:
Raymond Lessert Martin
360-481-4792
Contact me lets talk.
COPIES WENT OUT TO THE WHITE HOUSE, THE UNITED NATIONS, NANCY PELOSI, FOX NEWS, MSNBC NEWS, KIRO NEWS, KOMO
NEWS, 4 AFFILIATES IN SOUTH DAKOTA, AND VARIOUS RADIO STATIONS.
bearclan7469@hotmail.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nationwidenativenetwork
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January 21, 2010
It's been nearly a month since the State of Emergency was announced at the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Many many people are at
risk of freezing to death. Another cold front is coming in as I write this ... Where is the media coverage?
It is plain to see that the Lacreek Electric Company does not care that people are suffering since they are pulling meters
every day, which is illegal throughout the rest of the U.S.A. during the winter months.
What are we going to do about it?
We are going to continue putting the message out for help. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation needs help NOW. Not tomorrow, not next week, NOW! It is urgent
that all 40,000 residents of the Oglala Nation have electricity and propane.
Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Relief
PO Box 2070
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Non-Profit 501(c)(3)
All donations are Tax Deductible
Call and find out who needs money put down on their account to be able to have a warm home tonight and food. They do take credit cards by phone.
Lakota Plains Propane Lacreek Electric Company Sioux Nation Shopping Center
Hwy 407 PO Box 220 US 18
Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Martin, SD 57551-0220 Pine Ridge, SD 57770
605-867-5199 605-685-6581 605-867-5183
Pine Ridge needs volunteers to help with cutting wood, clearing driveways of snow, with phone calls and visiting elders. Contact Autumn Two Bulls, her number is
605-407-0582.
Do not forget that we here, in the United States of American, have people who are in dire need. My philosophy has always been, take care of our own first, then
worry about other nations.
Be well.
Monica Garcia
Native Hoop, Inc.
monica@nativehoop.net
(707)251-3859
Has anyone else received this. I will check it out has soon as possible.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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i sent a copy to amnesty international world wide
and a copy to the public utility commission, they set the regulations for utility's
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The people of Ridge live in the most poorest conditions in the entire United States. There has been a disaster state declared for a month with no coverage from major media and no response from this governments administration. It is our belief that this government and Obama used our people as an election point and when disaster strikes once again our people are left to freeze and die off slowly. We feel that so the government can keep itself in good graces with the free world they pretend we don't exist. Where is Fema for the indigenous people of this land? For the last couple weeks we have to watch as this government and mainstream media goes to the aid of Haiti and ignores the people in its own
borders.
We are going to continue putting the message out for help. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation needs help NOW. Not tomorrow, not next week, NOW! It is urgent that all 40,000 residents of the Oglala Nation have electricity and propane.
What’s really a disgrace is that billions of dollars of foreign aid from the United States goes overseas while we have our FIRST AMERICANS on reservations living in poverty and third world conditions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Agency_for_International_Development (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Agency_for_International_Development)
The U.S. Government's 150 Account funds the budgets of all International Affairs programs and operations for civilian agencies, including USAID. In FY 2009, the Bush Administration's request for the International Affairs Budget for the Department of State, USAID, and other foreign affairs agencies totaled approximately $39.5 billion, including $26.1 billion for Foreign Operations and Related Agencies, $11.2 billion for Department of State, and $2.2 billion for Other International Affairs.
The request under the FY2009 Foreign Operations budget, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies was:
$2.4 billion to improve responsiveness to humanitarian crises, including food emergencies and disasters, and the needs of refugees
$938 million to strengthen USAID’s operational capacity
$2.3 billion to help Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and West Bank/Gaza achieve economic, democratic, security and political stabilization and to advance their overall development
$2.1 billion for State Department and USAID programs in Africa to address non-HIV/AIDS health, economic growth and democratic governance needs and to help promote stability in Sudan, Liberia, Zimbabwe and Somalia in support of the President's 2005 commitment to double aid to Africa by 2010
$4.8 billion for the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative, which directly supports the first year of the President’s new five-year, $30 billion plan to treat 2.5 million people, prevent 12 million new infections, and care for 12 million afflicted people
$550 million to support the Mérida Initiative to combat the threats of drug trafficking, transnational crime, and terrorism in Mexico and Central America
$1.7 billion to promote democracy around the world, including support for the President’s Freedom Agenda
$385 million to support the President’s Malaria Initiative to reduce malaria-related deaths by 50 percent in 15 target African countries by 2010
$94 million for the President’s International Education Initiative to provide an additional 4 million students with access to quality basic education through 2012
$64 million for the State Department and USAID to support the President's Climate Change Initiative to promote the adoption of clean energy technology, help countries adapt to climate change, and encourage sustainable forest management
$4.8 billion for foreign military financing to the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Eurasia, including $2.6 billion for Israel
$2.2 billion for the Millennium Challenge Corporation to improve agricultural productivity, modernize infrastructure, expand private land ownership, improve health systems, and improve access to credit for small business and farmers
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Can I copy this and send it around to people?
Thank you.
I received this today, It certainly speaks the truth.:
January 21, 2010
I am writing to your network and/or affiliates to bring to your attention the disaster situation declared after a winter storm hit the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. On December 24th over 36 inches of snow fell on the people of Pine Ridge and with the winds created blizzard conditions. Over 1000 people
were in need of foods and propane. Elders in need of dialysis care could not be reached, and the tribe was having to access level of needs, and were forced to
turn people away whose needs were not determined great enough. We have been networking with other natives around the world and trying to secure aid
to our people suffering right here on American soil.
The people of Ridge live in the most poorest conditions in the entire United States. There has been a disaster state declared for a month with no coverage
from major media and no response from this governments administration. It is our belief that this government and Obama used our people as an election
point and when disaster strikes once again our people are left to freeze and die off slowly.
We feel that so the government can keep itself in good graces with the free world they pretend we don't exist. Where is Fema for the indigenous people of
this land? For the last couple weeks we have to watch as this government and mainstream media goes to the aid of Haiti and ignores the people in its own
borders.
After Katrina the last thing we expected was for this President to allow something like to go on. It goes to show that there is a trend that this government
has been on for too many years to count. Similar to the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policies it has in the Military. If the world doesn't know about the struggles
they allow my people to be in then no one knows and no on will care.
It is shameful what this country is doing to the American Indian and yet they call this the land of the free. Well I'd ask one news truck to come to Pine
Ridge and show the world how well this country takes care of its own, or is this just the slow genocide pace they have us on so we will die off slowly or kill
ourselves. This is the continuing of an effort in ethic cleansing and the genocide of the indigenous people of this land.
Written by:
Raymond Lessert Martin
360-481-4792
Contact me lets talk.
COPIES WENT OUT TO THE WHITE HOUSE, THE UNITED NATIONS, NANCY PELOSI, FOX NEWS, MSNBC NEWS, KIRO NEWS, KOMO
NEWS, 4 AFFILIATES IN SOUTH DAKOTA, AND VARIOUS RADIO STATIONS.
bearclan7469@hotmail.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nationwidenativenetwork
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 21, 2010
It's been nearly a month since the State of Emergency was announced at the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Many many people are at
risk of freezing to death. Another cold front is coming in as I write this ... Where is the media coverage?
It is plain to see that the Lacreek Electric Company does not care that people are suffering since they are pulling meters
every day, which is illegal throughout the rest of the U.S.A. during the winter months.
What are we going to do about it?
We are going to continue putting the message out for help. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation needs help NOW. Not tomorrow, not next week, NOW! It is urgent
that all 40,000 residents of the Oglala Nation have electricity and propane.
Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Relief
PO Box 2070
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Non-Profit 501(c)(3)
All donations are Tax Deductible
Call and find out who needs money put down on their account to be able to have a warm home tonight and food. They do take credit cards by phone.
Lakota Plains Propane Lacreek Electric Company Sioux Nation Shopping Center
Hwy 407 PO Box 220 US 18
Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Martin, SD 57551-0220 Pine Ridge, SD 57770
605-867-5199 605-685-6581 605-867-5183
Pine Ridge needs volunteers to help with cutting wood, clearing driveways of snow, with phone calls and visiting elders. Contact Autumn Two Bulls, her number is
605-407-0582.
Do not forget that we here, in the United States of American, have people who are in dire need. My philosophy has always been, take care of our own first, then
worry about other nations.
Be well.
Monica Garcia
Native Hoop, Inc.
monica@nativehoop.net
(707)251-3859
Has anyone else received this. I will check it out has soon as possible.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Standing Rock and Cheyenne River have been without power, heat and water for seven days now.
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Also, check out the "Plea for $$ in the life-threatening emergency at Pine Ridge" posts in the "Research Needed" forum. You'll fiind more info as to what's going on in the Pine Ridge, Standing Rock, and Cheyenne River Reservations and some specifics as to ways individuals can directly help. Also validation that the organizations & agencies listed are legit. While we all need to do what we can to help, that doesn't change the US government's responsibility and moral obligation to step in immediately with assistance - just like with what happened in Haiti.
Leonard
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"What’s really a disgrace is that billions of dollars of foreign aid from the United States goes overseas while we have our FIRST AMERICANS on reservations living in poverty and third world conditions."
Ain't that the truth, Black Wolf. All the outpouring that has gone and continues to go to Haiti is a wonderful thing but the averagre American has no idea that the same conditions exist right here in the most prosperous country in the world.
The press doesn't cover it. The talking heads don't discuss it. I wonder if the exposes done on Haiti were done on the reservations if there would be anything near the same response. I think that it pretty much would in the public sector but obviously it doesn't register in D.C..
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I am part of this netwwork and it is legit. Thousands have called and emailed CNN and Fox News and other networks to no avail, they told me I had already called and they already knew about this, but still no news heard.
We are going to keep going until we are heard. Flyaway
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Bigg Trub sent a message to the members of NATIONWIDE NATIVE NETWORK.
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Subject: TODAYS TARGET!
OK NATIVES ALL THESE ARE CONTACT NUMBERS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS IN D.C. IF THE AMERICAN PRESS WON'T HELP US IT'S TIME TO SPREAD OUR MESSAGE TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD.
(202) 785-0465
(202) 653-0010
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Native Hoop and Nation Native Network responded to Autumn Two-Bulls plea to contact CNN and organized a call-in protest. Over 2000 calls were placed to CNN and Fox News from people all over North America. A Discussion thread was started on the CNN Facebook site. Callers were assured that CNN will cover the story last evening. In fact they did not and deleted the thread on their FB site. The Veil of Silence that shrouds our People continues, but as Big Trubb says NOT FOR LONG!
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NAME OF THE OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE IN REGARDS TO SEVERE WEATHER
Oglala Sioux Tribe
PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION
Loretta Afraid of Bear~Cook
“Anpetu Luta Win”
Post Office Box 2070 ~ Pine Ridge, So. Dakota ~ 57770
Mobile: (605) 441 | 5692 ~ Fax: (605) 867 | 6076
Email: Loretta@oglala.org
Office of Public Relations
Tuesday, January 26, 2010FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE:
OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE’S POSITION ON RECENT FINANCIAL SOLICITING IN THE NAME OF THE OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE IN REGARDS TO SEVERE WEATHER STATE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF.
For more information, contact:
Loretta Afraid of Bear-Cook, OST Public Relations
C/O: OST Media Center
Telephone: (605) 454-2592 | e-mail: Loretta@oglala.org
PINE RIDGE, So. DAKOTA – The Oyate (People) of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation recently experienced a series of harsh blizzards and extreme weather beginning in late December. Hundreds of families were ill prepared for the high winds, whiteouts and heavy snowfall that closed all roads and highways across the reservation. Many households eventually ran out of propane, firewood, food and medical supplies.Tribal President, Theresa Two Bulls, immediately established a Command Post out of her office and organized the Emergency Management Team to begin the task of assessing the situation. The team paid particular attention to tribal members with severe medical needs such as heart and dialysis patients. The Oglala (Sioux) Lakota Housing Authority under the direction of Paul Iron Cloud; the Energy Assistance Director, Denise King Red Owl; Monica Terkildsen, Emergency Response; and David Kelly from the OST Transportation Department; all provided the core guidance to the agencies to ensure that all calls were addressed. Without the care and compassion of all resource agencies, the task of responding to the needs would have been next to impossible. The disaster prompted other tribes, non-profit corporation and individuals to respond with food, clothing and financial assistance. Sadly, the disaster had also resulted in tribal members and outside organizations “scamming” for funding on the internet claiming to raise funds for the poor and needy on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. President Two Bulls advises the public that these Organizations have not received permission from the Oglala Sioux Tribe to solicit funds on behalf of the Oglala tribal membership. President Two Bulls requests that any Tribe, organization or individual who wish to donate for emergency assistance can send directly to the Oglala Sioux Tribe in care of Dean Patton, Treasurer, Oglala Sioux Tribe, P.O. Box 2070, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770. Mr. Patton has established an emergency fund for such donations. Funds will be used exclusively for heating costs for electrical, propane, fuel oil and firewood needs. The Housing and Energy Assistance funds have been depleted. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is very grateful to the organizations, tribes and individuals who have contacted President Two Bulls with generous outpouring of help for this ongoing need. President Two Bulls also expresses her sincere gratitude to all who have kept the Oglala Sioux Tribe in their prayers. She can be contacted via her direct line: (605) 867-4021, or e-mail: theresatb@oglala.org.
Update: Due to the State of Emergency on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, the Oglala Sioux Tribe opened the doors at the Prairie Wind Casino Hotel to care for 25 dialysis patients and 10 supporting staff from Cheyenne River. According to media reports, electrical power will be restored in approximately 10 to 14 days.
For more information and updates, log on to the official website of the Oglala Sioux Tribe:
www.oglalalakotanation.org
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Someone sent me this in response to my sending them information to help.. ( i don't know where to post this.. here or the other thread? )
http://buffalopost.net/?m=201001&paged=2
UPDATE: Rapid City, S.D., Red Cross opens shelter for Black Hills storm victims
Posted by: admin in Cheyenne River Sioux, Cheynne River Reservation
Here’s the story in its entirety from the Rapid City Journal. We’ll keep posting updates as they arrive:
A steady of influx of South Dakotans coming into Rapid City from the north central region of the state has prompted the Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross to open a shelter in Rapid City.
According to a news release from the Red Cross, the shelter will be housed in Fountain Springs Community Church on 2100 North Plaza Drive. The shelter opened at 1 p.m.today.
Last weekend, a powerful snow and ice storm ripped through the region, felling power lines and cutting off power and water to thousands of South Dakotans, many of them on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. When full power and water will be restored remains in question.
And while tribal officials have established a number of shelters throughout the reservation, scores of people have headed to Rapid City to seek shelter.
For more information, call 1-888-271-3130 or 342-4010.
Tags: Black Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross, buffalo post, Cheyenne River Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, Fountain Springs Community Church, Native American news, Rapid City, Red Cross, S.D.
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Here is the message Autumn Two-Bulls from Pine Ridge sent out yesterday concerning censorship of the State of Emergency in North and South Dakota:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2010/01/cnn-censors-emergency-in-dakotas.html (http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2010/01/cnn-censors-emergency-in-dakotas.html)
ONLINE ACTION FOR PINE RIDGE RESERVATION TODAY
FROM AUTUMN TWOBULLS:
Friends, Relative and supports of the Lakota Nations- Support us in this efforts to bring change.
To all my Relations, friends and supporters:
I have been told that your area news and the National news will not carry the story for my people unless and until CNN carries it. Each day someone has told me they have gone to CNN on Facebook, their website, or called into report our story, since the 12/20/09 State of Emergency was issued.
I am asking that we all come together TODAY, Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 6pm Atlantic; 5pm Eastern time, 4pm Central, etc. pick up your phone and call the direct line to the CNN News Room at 404-827-2658. Someone needs to post here all phone numbers into CNN. We want to inundate CNN with the voices of people who care and you must be relentless in your call. At the same time we want you to handle an email campaign listed below.
When you call, they will try to attempt to move your call to a computerized public info line.
First - tell them what state you are calling from and your name. Then ask them, When are you going to be reporting on the situation of the American Indians of North and South Dakota?
Second, do not let them try to forward you, let them know that you know that the National Guard and the Red Cross have been called into certain Reservations.
Lastly, when you hang up, pick up the phone and call again. The people of this country needs to let CNN know that while you empathize with the situation in Haiti and we know that many of you have rightfully done as the children on Pine Ridge had been doing and collecting food and money to be sent, that you are wondering why money is leaving this country while the only reporting on the AP wires has been from within the states of North and South Dakota AP Presses.
At the same time that those of you who can afford to call CNN are calling, to those of you who can multi-task or be online, please go now to cnn . com and click on the iReport button and register. If you are on or near one of the Reservations in South & North Dakota, please upload your pictures - but wait - lets all do this together for three full hours.
Do not worry about your grammar, do not worry about your spelling, simply tell the truth of the situation from your heart.
Wopila Tanka
Autumn Two Bulls
Lets Work Together!
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You can donate online to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of SD emergency fund at this web address:
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/
I talked with Kim at their office today. She said everyone is working as hard as they can to get the water and electricity working again for all the people. Bit by bit its getting there. There are still many people without propane though, and all donations are greatly appreciated.
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I have still heard nothing on the news, CNN or FOX and I sent a email to whitehouse.gov, still nothing back. anyone else hear anything.
Last week the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation and other reservations in South Dakota were hit by an ice storm. This storm knocked out 2000-3000 utility poles leaving thousands without electricity and water. Right now we are asking for your help to help these people.
They are in need of:
Non-perishable foods
water
first aid kits
glucose strips
paper products for the shelters (utensils, paper plates, napkins)
baby formula
heat and light sources (firewood, flashlights, heaters, camp stoves, batteries)
toiletries
baby wipes
toilet paper
cots
pillows
blankets
throw blankets
and monetary donations.
Please, do what you can for these people. Even if it just spreading the word. Right now there is more emphasis in the news on what is happening in another country than what is happening next door to us. A few hundreds of miles away people are freezing in their homes. They have no electricity and some are melting snow for water.
You can drop off any of these in the AISCC (Rm 204 Coffman) on the University of Minnesota Campus.
There is also a place that you can directly donate money online to the cause. This goes into a bank account that gets distributed among those who need the help. The address is https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/
Photos
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I have not heard anything on TV about any of this.
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of course not were indian people the United state would rather we disappeared >:(
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Are there any updates? Did funds come in? Did those who were listed get/keep their heat on? Get food?
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I just got my receipt for the propane donation from Lakota Plains Propane. As they promised, fuel was delivered to two families. I told them it was OK to forward my address and land line to those families so that they can let me know what else they need.
I wish I could send more now but being on a fixed income I have to wait for my check deposits. I also still have three dependent children to provide for and one adult child who has lost his job in this economy so my resources are spread a bit tight. At any rate, I'll send something more up there come the last week of this month.
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That's good. I was wondering how I could help as I don't have much myself.. and then lo and behold.. I just received an email with WORK and more work coming.. :D :D :D :D Now I will be able to help. (after I get paid) :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
In the meantime though, I did forward the message to as many people I thought would be able to help.
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I just got a call and was told MSNBC just did something of a story on this. It is supposed to be repeated at 10 PM EST.
Let us hope there will be some followup by MSNBC and that others will now pick up the story and run with it.
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MSNBC declares Indian Affairs committee worst persons in the world for their failure to act
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/
Look down to the left on this and find where it says features, and then click on where it says worst persons
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http://www.razoo.com/story/Cheyenne-River-Sioux-Tribe-Storm-Relief-Emergency-Assistance
some money has been raised but not nearly enough. Oberman is the only one speaking of this.
David Lawrence
The need for assistance on the Cheyenne River Reservation grows each day as the temperature continues to drop well below freezing. After suffering devastating ice-related storms over the weekend of January 22, 2010, electricity and water have been non-existent or scarce. Over 2,500 utility poles are currently on the ground in this remote, rural area. Power has been out in several communities and for thousands of residents for several days. Below zero temperatures and no electricity, heat, water or gasoline has created devastating results. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is working to porivde emergency services and meet the needs of area residents. Through the establishment of shelters with emergency power generators, the most vunerable have options, but there are thousands of residents suffering through the cold and scarcity in substandard housing. The South Dakota Community Foundation, with a generous 35,000 dollar-for-dollar match from the Bush Foundation and the Northwest Area Foundation, is accepting donations on behalf of the Cheyenne Rive Sioux Tribe. Now is the time to step up and help South Dakotans in need. We encourage you to consider a contribution while these matching funds are available to us.
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It is making me sick every time I see CNN broadcast about the blizzard in the east coast and not once have they mentioned these people here, who are struggling with the winter storms for some, over a month now. It's utterly disturbing and I have no good words to say of them.
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Received this update today:
Today at 3:03pm
After being here a few short days and seeing the conditions at Pine Ridge and it's neighboring communities, it is obvious to me the tribal government has completely lost it's ability to be effective. I have taken countless calls from mothers, fathers, and the elderly that have been turned away from the tribe. I have talked to people and heard their stories of tribal embezzlement and lack of accountability. I have hard the radio shows where the tribal leaders admit they lost the confidence of the people. I talked to Eli Baldeagle in White Clay NB. as he worked at a feed store. He told me about how tribal leaders ride around in their fancy cars and take what they want from donations and leave the scraps for the rest of the people. He is afraid that if his elders are left to freeze and die off that his culture will also. It was very hard to hear this from him and so many others. I have heard the spirit of the Lakota people cry out and seen the pain in their eyes. i have had to hold back the tears as i seen a forgotten people being taken advantage of by the very people they have elected to serve them. serve them. represent them.
There has been a few to step up and try to help their people and i have been lucky enough to witness that in Autumn TwoBulls. I have watched her answer phones tirelessly, and i have seen the propane trucks delivering propane around the rez and I can tell you it is not because of the tribal government. I have listened to the tribal government try to hinder her efforts to help her people as they do nothing but fall apart in their tribal meetings. I watched as they threatened the propane companies to not work with her and her donors, yet they are doing nothing. I have seen Autumns living conditions and know her struggle and emotions that run through her as it seems everyone tries to hinder her efforts to get warmth to the people in need. i have answered phones with her and listened to people in tears telling me they need help and all i could say is we'll get you on the list. all the while the tribe is trying to stop this. this is not the actions of elected officials putting the people first. this looks like people afraid to be held accountable and looking for a scapegoat.
The pride in these people that are going through this is so amazing and heartwrenching at the same time. i have never felt more pain and love for a people in the same moment. i see the pain in their eyes but their hearts are strong and there are warriors out here. there is a culture out here that Autumn TwoBulls refuses to let die.
you will never understand the level of everyday poverty and pain that is amongst the lakota people. if the situation remains the way it is, i fear a great people and their beautiful culture will be lost. i see major motion picture companies getting rich off these people and us as everyday city people flock to the theatres to support these ventures in capitolizing off a dying culture. yet these same entertainment companies give back nothing and like our government are no where to be seen during this time of disaster.
i want to thank Autumn and all the wonderful people that have welcomed me and allowed me to be educated if just for a moment on what it is really like here. there is no economy, this is an active area of genocide, and we need to do something about it. when a council or government turn its back on its people it is the peoples time to come together and take a stand.
respectfully,
ray martin
:'(
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I wish with all my heart and soul.. as lame as that sounds.. I just wish I could do something more. At least, know some people in this world, (like me) , hear these words and care. Actually, honestly and truly care. :( If only caring was enough..
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Unfortunately that is something I have heard about from more than one Sioux from their rezs, Flyaway. That some tribal leaders are not taking care of their people but instead are living relatively well while the rest of the tribe, save for a select few, suffer with diminished resources.
That's why I'm sending the $$ that I can directly to either the utility companies or the families themselves. Next week I'll be able to send something more. I just wish I could send much more.
Critter, I'll send a little extra on your behalf.
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Yes many of my Sioux friends and relatives have told me this for years, I was wondering why the Council did not call for emergency assistance, not from the Federal Gov or the State Gov. If I am correct THEY have to be the one's to ask? The PEOPLE need to hold thier council accountable. This is just not the right WAY!!!!
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No, it's not the right way. But I also consider that the US Gov has stepped in other nations and helped their people when their gov's have not or are so steeped in corruption. And here, this nation is within the USA. So why hasn't the media taken this story and shown the corruptions as they do with other nations in crisis? Remember Myanmar? That country's officials refused aid, and it was in all the news.
It only reinforces my belief that the US media is not free press, and the US gov does censor news broadcasts, especially if it makes the US look bad. Because this story has all the earmarks that would make a good press story, they should be feeding on it like vultures. Instead, they say not one thing about it.
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Critter, I'll send a little extra on your behalf.
Thank you. I get paid next week and will send something too, not much, but something is better than nothing.
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Any and all help. No doubt about that.
I'm hoping, despite the usual trends in media coverage, that MSNBC or someone else will start to follow up at least one more time. What was covered wasn't in a news format as it was. More in a commentary form that did not direct the urgency the situation has.
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Critter,
I so agree and it boild my blood. We have all called, and emailed, BUT nothing. We are all human beings, while we hear and our GOV. send aid to all the diasters in other countries, I firmley believe starting at home!!!
This has just made me sick. I will continue to help as I can, email all the people I know can help, but I damn well will not have it go through the council. My lakota sister told me today that while she was working on the Rez a few years back a Nikki truck pulled up with shoes, she saw the council have them back up to the door and they took them all and sold them, if you will remember that council, some was sent to jail for thier dirty deeds. I could go on about other things that have occured but , it still does not let our United States Gov. off the hook for doing nothing!!!! >:(
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Well, I wish I had money, because then I could simply bypass the stupid news media and purchase full page ads in every major newspaper and print the story myself in that way. Get it out there. Even a half or quarter page.. buy space in the newspaper for the story. But, as always, money in this world dictates so much of our lives it's ridiculous. Maybe flood Michelle Obama with letters of why I'm embarrassed to be an American, as her mail may not be as picked over as the Pres.
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This is good news.
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http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/south-dakota/article_f9b6482e-170e-11df-8c5d-001cc4c002e0.html
Relief fund for S.D. tribe grows quickly
Story Discussion Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 7:10 am | (3) Comments
Font Size: Default font size Larger font size PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The president of the South Dakota Community Foundation says donations are pouring in to a relief fund for residents of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.
An ice storm and blizzard in late January paralyzed the reservation, knocking out power and water to thousands.
Foundation President Bob Sutton says there was only about $8,000 in the relief fund earlier this week. But he says thousands of donations have been pouring in from around the country after the reservation's plight and the relief fund were featured on a cable TV news talk show. The fund has now surpassed $200,000.
The Bush Foundation and the Northwest Area Foundation are offering some matching money that Sutton says could push the relief fund to $300,000.
On the Net:
SD Community Foundation: http://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
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That is good news! Now, if we could get the press to really cover the story the donations and fund would likely grow even faster.
So far the only news channel to mention it, as far as I know, is MSNBC. They have mentioned it throughout last week only it was only covered as a brief commentary each time. No real news coverage has happened yet.
Of all the people I know, native and non-native alike, only one has seen the MSNBC mention and that person only saw it because she watches MSNBC specifically for the "Worst of the Worst" commentary.
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it is awesome news! let Pine Ridge be next!!!
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It is good news. Amazing what even just a bit of press can do.