Lumbee criticism unfair; Tribe merits recognition
It was with that all-too-familiar amalgam of despondence and disillusionment that I was imbued after reading Donald Bradley’s letter (“Lumbees don’t deserve tribal recognition status,” May 9) in which he contends that the Lumbee Tribe doesn’t deserve “tribal recognition status” because the Lumbee have no language or culture.
As evidence, he suggests that he should be able to hear Lumbee language on his car radio the same way he can hear Navajo language when driving through Arizona.
He’ll have to excuse me if I am skeptical of his qualifications to render such an assessment. In the meantime, for his edification, I’d suggest reading Dr. Jack Campisi’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in July 2006, as well as chapter two of Fergus Bordewich’s “Killing the White Man’s Indian.”
I’m sure he’ll find these kinds of engaging analyses more sophisticated than what languages he does or does not hear on his car radio.
I’ve seen this before — unbridled conviction takes form in the written word, masquerading as enlightened manifesto, but upon closer inspection is revealed as myopic sophistry.
Fortunately for the Lumbee, we are afforded the opportunity to entrust our cause to citizens who remain free of the paralyzing shackles of prejudice and fatuousness under which some so unfortunately languish.
Chad Lowry
High Point
Comments (11)
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What is it exactly the these Lumbee 'Indians' want?
Posted on May 13, 2009 7:55 AM
'the' = 'that'
Posted on May 13, 2009 8:02 AM
"What is it exactly the these Lumbee 'Indians' want?"
Reservation status for tobacco and gambling.
Posted on May 13, 2009 8:41 AM
They merely just want the same rights afforded to other native Americans, rights that they deserve.
>hugh
They have language in their recognition bill that would prohibit them from engaging in gambling. Don't be a moron, educate yourself.
Posted on May 13, 2009 8:50 AM
It's past time to bring all native Americans into the fold, subject them to the same laws and rules that all the rest of us face, and be on about our business.
By creating these special classes of people based on past transgressions, we aren't doing anyone any favors.
Posted on May 13, 2009 9:04 AM
That's good to know. No bill have ~ever~ had changes slipped into to it prior to signing.
Posted on May 13, 2009 9:07 AM
>truth
I dunno, putting 700ish million dollars into one of the poorest counties in America would do a ton of people a favor, not just the natives that live there.
Last I knew, natives are still subjected to the same laws and rules as every other American citizen.
Posted on May 13, 2009 9:23 AM
"natives are still subjected to the same laws and rules as every other American citizen"
Cept I can't open a casino on my property.
Posted on May 13, 2009 12:05 PM
So in the end, it all boils down to entitlements for yet another class of victims?...
I'm flabbergasted.
As for Lumbees on the radio:
http://www.102jamz.com/pages/381103.php
Posted on May 13, 2009 2:14 PM
zook is right, no gambling, just $80 million/year in taxpayer money.
"If approved, the status would bring the tribe about $80 million per year from the federal government to pay for health care and education programs. It prohibits the tribe from building casinos."
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/apr/25/senate-panel-votes-for-lumbee-recognition/
Why build and run casinos whey they can get $80 million/year for doing nothing?
Frankly I'd prefer casinos. Think about how much money could be made from Yankees stopping half way to Florida.
Posted on May 13, 2009 10:28 PM
Wah doan them people just go back whar they come frum?!
Oh, that's right.
Posted on May 14, 2009 7:25 PM