Fred M. Wiseman Complains about “Hate blogs”

The “Short and Skinny” Of It by Fred M. Wiseman

Just go to the link and read it for yourself.

Here’s a priceless quote:

Unfortunately, with the withdrawal of a common enemy to Vermont’s Indigenous people, the vacuum has been filled by individuals, because of personal or community animosity, who choose to deny the ethnic identity of their neighbors, and even, unfortunately, their family. The reasons for this hatred are varies, feelings of personal insult, jealousy that someone else is going to get a “bigger piece of the pie,” uncertainty about their own ethnic identity, or in some cases a misplaced desire to protect Vermont against the “casinos and land claims” stereotype promulgated by the State in the 1995-2006 period.

Since when did having a desire for the truth constitute “hatred”? What planet are these people from? Has Fred not read up on Luke Willard’s past? Did he not see the casino management contract or the check stub of the North American People Of The Dawn Inc? Has he read the birth and death certificates of the ancestors of the people in these groups? Has he talked to people who associated with them and asked them why they no longer do so? What makes him think that Alliance opponents want a “bigger piece of the pie?” Hello? Only the Alliance folks are seeking the riches here.

There are many reasons to oppose the recognition of the Abenaki Alliance groups.

1. Genealogy

Read it for yourself on either my blog or the other “hate blog” that Fred refers to. Birth and death certificates are public records in the State of Vermont. My question is, why do the birth certificates of many of these people list “White” as their race? I suppose that we could use the Vermont Eugenics Survey and the idea that these folks were “hiding in plain sight” as a defense. We could also use the arrival of Jesuit priests and the conversion of these so-called Indians to a Catholic or Christian faith as an excuse. However, these excuses and defenses will only go so far on their own.

If the Alliance can prove it, come out and do so.

2. Land Grants/Grants/Casinos

We know for a fact that there is no guarantee that these people will not build casinos or pursue land/educational grants. As I have mentioned above, why is there a casino management contract in existence for the group that Luke Willard was previously associated with (North American People of The Dawn Inc.)? How do we know that they won’t mismanage educational grants? How do we know that they’re not going after the “Phillip’s Deed”?

Personally, I view casinos as reinforcing gambling and drinking stereotypes of Native Americans. Casinos bring in money by “hooking” people in and then proceed to fleece them using hidden tricks. They promote irresponsible gambling habits and are a hotbed for organized crime. This is why I personally oppose casinos and why plenty of other people do as well, including the State of Vermont.

To their credit, the St.Francis/Sokoki band tried to start a small business producing a soda called “Oligen (It is Good)” back in the mid-90s. It went nowhere for some reason. There is nothing wrong with seeking out funding for a small business. Why would you need recognition for this? Is the money more lucrative this way?

Again, if the Alliance can prove that they’re not out for casinos and land grants, then come out and do so.

3. Biased and compromised VCNAA

We know for a fact that the Alliance groups have “stacked” the current VCNAA in their favor so that they may easily win state recognition. Does Mr.Wiseman not find this to be unfair? Does Mr.Wiseman even care at this point? He worked with these groups, he wrote their “criteria” and now his son sits on this same commission. How can someone fail to see the bias present here?

Luke Willard (Nulhegan) —> Dawn Macie (Nulhegan) —> Takara T.K Matthews (Carol-Lee Reynolds’ daughter) —> Melody Walker-Brook (Elnu) —> David Vanslette (Missisquoi) —> Shirly Hook (Koasek) —> Nathan E. Pero (Koasek) —> Charlene McManis (supports Missisquoi)

Do I need to make a more complicated chart to show the bias? All Alliance, all the time!

4. Revisionist History

On the Nulhegan application, they supposedly trace their existence back to 3 centuries. However, they were incorporated in 2004. Is this not revisionist history? Does Fred not recognize this? What about the Elnu and Koasek groups? Prior to 2008, they were not well known in the state of Vermont (perhaps in their local communities, but not the state as a whole). Did they just magically appear overnight?

To their credit, the St.Francis/Sokoki band has had the most exposure in the state of Vermont. However, it is not much of a credit when we look at the issue of genealogy.

5. Hatred of anyone who opposes them

The fifth and final reason (in my opinion) is the hatred and venom these people have towards their political enemies. They are hypocrites because they can willingly drag people to court and trash them in front of state officials. It was Mr.Wiseman himself who trashed these same groups that he now works with. Do a search on this blog and you will see what I mean. If Nancy Millette-Doucet had her way, her political enemies would not have access to her genealogy or that of any of the other Alliance members.

So in all fairness, Mr.Wiseman has failed to prove the existence of these “hate blogs”.

In 2010, the Vermont General Assembly created a fair and equitable process for establishing the legitimacy of claims for recognition as an Indian tribe. There are safeguards in place to prevent any abuse of the recognition process, including 1. A rigorous and thorough set of criteria for recognition 2.) charging the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs to thoroughly review the applications. 3. An advisory panel of three scholars in appropriate field to also review and approve the applications and auxiliary documentation. 4. Public hearings on each application to give voice to advocates and opponents of recognition. 5. Review and approval by the legislature.

Except this process is no longer the “fair and equitable” process that Mr.Wiseman claims. It is a power play by the Alliance groups to speed through their recognition without anything to stand in their way. Unfortunately for them, there are people who will stand in their way and not allow this to happen, not out of hatred, but out of concern for the possibility of illegal actions.

Here’s an example of what happened in Tennessee with their Commission. It concerns the recognition of 6 groups of people in Tennessee who claimed to have connections and ancestors of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation had contended that there were no bands,tribes or nations left in Tennessee that they recognized as their own. Also,these groups did not meet the criteria set forth by the BIA. The Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma), along with two other groups (United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokees in NC) are the only legitimate, federally recognized Cherokee entities in the United States.

Regardless, on June 19, 2010, the State of Tennessee granted recognition to 6 groups (Cherokee Wolf Clan, Chikamaka Band, Central Band of Cherokee, United Eastern Lenape Nation, Tanasi Council and Remnant Yuchi Nation). This recognition was hasty and done in violation of Tennessee’s “sunshine” or Open Meetings Act. People who opposed this recognition were not given adequate time to make their arguments.

As you can see, the same mistake is about to be repeated in the State of Vermont. Regardless of what happens, the truth will prevail. If the State of Vermont chooses to recognize the Elnu, Koasek, Nulhegan and St.Francis/Sokoki people, it will be their mess to deal with. The people have a right to inform the government of their wishes and concerns. This is how a Democracy is supposed to work.

Mr.Wiseman can continue to complain about “hate blogs” all he wants. It will not matter because the truth will prevail, one way or the other.

Alliance Pulls The Media Strings (Burlington Free Press)

They’ve really been on a blitz lately, turning to their allies in the Vermont print and broadcast media to prop them up every time someone challenges their little world.

Burlington Free Press article 1/20/11

MONTPELIER — Two Vermont Abenaki tribes are ready to have the state Legislature decide whether to grant them official recognition, and two more appear headed that way under new rules the tribes hope will end a long and frustrating process.

The Nulhegan band based in Brownington and the Elnu based in Jamaica won the recommendation of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs, which has turned the applications to legislators.

“We are finally reaching the apex,” commission Chairman Luke Willard said Wednesday at a Statehouse news conference announcing the applications. “I do believe 2011 is the year.”

“This gives us our identity,” said Don Stevens of Shelburne, chief of the Nulhegan band.

The bands are seeking official state recognition they say will allow members to apply for scholarships set aside for American Indians and to meet federal rules for selling arts and crafts as native-made. Legislators established this new process for recognition last year.

Two more Abenaki bands aren’t far behind in seeking recognition.

The Koasek of the Koas based in Newbury won the commission’s recommendation, and the state’s largest band, the Missisquoi, filed its application with the commission Wednesday afternoon. The commission will prepare a report and forward it to the Legislature on the Koasek and will appoint a panel of experts to review the Missisquoi application, Willard said.

April St. Francis Merrill, chief of the Missisquoi Abenaki based in Swanton, handed out bound copies of the application to commission members. For her, it was an emotional moment. Wednesday would have been her father’s 76th birthday, she said. Homer St. Francis was the fiery longtime chief of the Missisquoi band who fought for state and federal recognition. He died in 2001.

“If it weren’t for my father, none of this would be happening,” Merrill said of the state recognition effort.

Efforts during the past 17 years to attain state recognition have run into repeated roadblocks. Abenaki were granted recognition in 1976 only to have it rescinded the next year over fears that it would lead to federal recognition and land claims. Legislation in 2006 simply granting overall recognition failed to meet federal guidelines for recognition.

That led lawmakers last year, through tenuous negotiations, to set up a new process by which bands would apply to the commission for recognition with detailed information about the bands’ members and links to Vermont. Three outside scholars then review the information and decide whether it meets specific criteria. The commission then decides whether to recommend recognition to the Legislature. Lawmakers then vote whether to grant the band recognition.

The law specifies that recognition does not allow the bands to make land claims and establish casinos, as American Indians have done in other states.

Although four bands acted relatively quickly to seek recognition, handing over tribal information for public perusal also gave members pause. Vermont Abenaki long have been wary of making the names of their members public.

In the late 1920s, Vermont Abenaki were subjected to a state-sponsored eugenics campaign that promoted the sterilization of Abenaki as an undesirable population, and for tribal members to deny their heritage.

Mistrust also runs strong among bands of American Indians, some challenging the authenticity and motives of others, with malicious comments spread on the Internet.

The Missisquoi withdrew an application for recognition in the 1980s rather than publicly list its members, Merrill said, but she hopes times have changed, and the information won’t be used against anyone.

Merrill said she had mixed feelings as she submitted her band’s application Wednesday. “We’ve been through this process and had it taken away so many times,” she said, but she added, “We have a good feeling about it.”

Stevens, a former member of the Missisquoi band who joined the Nulhegan after research showed his family had roots there, said receiving recognition will be worth it. He pointed to a silver bracelet on his arm made by a member of his tribe who would be able to sell such jewelry legally as Abenaki-made — likely earning a higher price and generating more demand — if the band earns recognition.

“This process has been bittersweet, because we’re the only people on the face of the earth that have to prove who we are,” Stevens said.

 

Of course, they call comments like mine “malicious” but the only thing that’s malicious here is the way the VCNAA deals with this recognition issue

They submit applications with Frederick Matthew Wiseman’s “criteria” to a commission that contains members or allies  of each incorporation, who then proceed to “rubber-stamp” their approval. The application goes to a committee chaired by one of their allies (honorary Clan of the Hawk “chief”, Vince Illuzzi), who will most certainly send it along its’ way to the rest of their cronies.

Yeah, nothing malicious to see here people. Move along.

The Burlington Free Press wouldn’t know the truth if it landed on their pages. That’s what they get for being a Gannett publication, only interested in publishing PR fluff. They’ve completely forgotten how to be actual journalists.

Something sure smells rotten in the State of Vermont and the stench is coming from Montpeculiar.

But, the process will play out as it may. If these incorporations get exactly what they want, the state of Vermont will be left with a huge PR disaster, once the corruption reaches the noses of the Federal government.

I’m sorry if I come off as crass and rude here. If you read a newspaper 50-60 years ago, you would see articles with content similar to what I write, criticizing each of these incorporations and their motives.

Instead, the Burlington Free Press rolls over and plays dead while these people bring their circus antics to their front pages.

More Media Manipulation From The Alliance

This article is BRAND NEW and is once again, another example of bias on the part of this re-constructed Vermont Commission On Native American Affairs:

There’s really not much to point out in here except for the following:

1. Apparently,Vince Illuzzi is behind these groups. No surprise there. I wonder if they are going to give him another headdress if they gain their recognition?

2. Once again, no mention of anyone except for the Alliance. You would think that they were the only “Abenakis” in Vermont if you had never heard of Abenakis. Thanks alot, Caledonian Record, for not doing your homework.

3. Pay attention to this line:

The three tribes (sic) requested recognition formally at a meeting of the commission in November in Newport City.

How can this be?  I am attaching the meeting minutes from 12/21/10 in which all three bands (not including Missisquoi) submitted their applications for recognition.

VCNAA_Minutes_12-21-2010

How could they have done this back in November? Was it a simple mistake from the editor of this article?

Or, did each group do something sneaky at the potluck before that meeting in November (which by the way, was not in the minutes).

They’ve got some answers to provide on this one.

If you plan on attending the January 19th meeting at the Vermont Statehouse, ASK THEM about this little technicality.

VCNAA Meeting Minutes 12/21/10 (with added commentary)

Meeting notes from the 12/21/10 VCNAA meeting are available at the following link below:

VCNAA_Minutes_12-21-2010

Below are my comments on the meeting minutes (in block quotes). Feel free to comment or browse the minutes without my comments.

3. Teacher’s Resource Manual Presentation of Completed Manual

Chairman Willard introduced “Abenakis and Their Neighbors” Teachers and Interpreters
Resource Guide by Professor Fred Wiseman and Melody Brook. At November’s meeting in
Newport, Luke challenged the commission to produce a Vermont Native American resource
guide for educators after visiting schools and meeting with teachers who expressed a desire for
such a guide. Professor Wiseman spoke on the manual. This detailed guide is now available on
the VCNAA website. Professor Wiseman also introduced a fourth grade lesson plan and is
currently working on middle and high school curriculum that meet the Vermont standards. They
are also working on a virtual Wabanaki museum. Nancy Millette-Doucet reminded the
commission of the Koasek curriculum booklet as a useful tool to teachers in the region. Luke
agreed it would be good to have a general curriculum but regional curricula could be beneficial
and made a note to come back to this discussion at an upcoming commission meeting. Don
Stevens noted that the Department of Education had promised to distribute any materials to
teachers.

So, it appears that their propaganda is nearly complete and ready to distribute to schoolchildren in Vermont. How can this be so? Is this material going to be extensively peer-reviewed or will they leave it up to their “scholars” to check it? The idea of a “Koasek” curriculum booklet is laughable. Joseph Goebbels would be proud of these folks with their willingness to openly print LIES and distribute them.

Roger explained the determination in a Canadian court case similar to the Vermont situation
amongst the Montagnais and Cree. They were a hunter/gatherer society and were never
integrated into large groups but the courts agreed they were a tribe. If Vermont bands were not
spread out throughout the state with members in other areas and they had a reservation, family
names would be on the registers, just like in Canada. In Vermont, most Indians received the
determination “white” on their birth certificates because they were not assigned to reservations.

Read the part in bold. There’s another angle to consider here: Perhaps they WERE white people? The genetic makeup of Abenakis within Vermont is already dubious.  Of course, these people conveniently ignore the genealogy of Nancy Doucet.

Chief Nancy Millette thanked everyone, gave a brief introduction, and recognized the process as
horrifying but good has come out of it. Luke opened the floor to public testimony.
Professor Fred Wiseman read Dave Skinas’ report on the Koasek application and confirmed that
it met requirements. He also included sources not found in the application that supported the
findings in the application. He also discussed the importance of the breakthroughs in academic
material within this petition, especially regarding fish-fertilized mounds (sucker fish) backed up
by Father Rasles’ dictionary.

Met WHAT requirements? This is not elaborated upon. We know that the Koasek does not ever stand a chance of recognition from the BIA. The question is, are we going by Fred Wiseman’s requirements, which are not true requirements? If so, this application is pointless.  Also, since when does a reference to a dictionary count as  “proof”?

Nancy spoke on her current trip to the Bradford Middle School and many of the children that
identified a native heritage also used fish in their gardens. Giovanna Peebles spoke about
possible collaborations with indigenous people of Vermont and historic preservation in regard to
sustainability. They can play a role in climate change. Good gardeners might use that type of
sustainability. Luke mentioned the native voice will be heard in this regard.

Nancy asked what was the response from the commission. Luke explained that the application is
still being reviewed by a work group of commissioners and a decision will be made after the
scholar’s panel has issued their findings.

Why is this woman prancing around to VERMONT schools when she lives in NEW HAMPSHIRE? Shouldn’t she be doing the same in NH schools? That’s a point I’ve been trying to make that has gone ignored (not a surprise here!).  Also, when they say that the application is being reviewed by commissioners, it’s obvious that they will approve it because they are all FLUNKIES! They’re all in bed TOGETHER! No shit! If you can’t see how maddening this process is, then you truly have blinders on your eyes!

Nancy wanted to articulate that the connection with Elnu as explained in the report from Dave
Skinas was not necessarily recent in the strict sense but began in the early 1990s with Rose
Hartwell and family/friends that worked on village demonstrations.

Melody asked if Nancy could expand on what the band has done in terms of language
revitalization. Nancy explained their efforts regarding Father Aubery/Laurent dictionary and the
connection with Dartmouth College to put out a 50 cd set for use by Abenaki bands. Anyone
from the larger community can purchase them through Dartmouth. She received a grant for these
and created a website for tribal members to access lessons. The website was expensive to
maintain. Giovanna asked why the website cost so much to maintain. Nancy explained it was the
amount of space used and the complexity of the site.

Giovanna was surprised that Dartmouthdidn’t help financially with the language efforts.
Professor Wiseman explained the history of the tapes. Nancy described the language summit
at Missisquoi attended by people from Odanak,Elnu, and Koasek. She has recorded stories
from the elders in her community for posterity.

Don mentioned that recognition will bring some measure of legitimacy that will allow bands to
talk to companies and other resources to begin a process of revitalizing the language.
Nancy thanked the commission for our time

Perhaps Dartmouth didn’t want to help because they don’t take this woman and her “tribe” seriously enough? Read the part about where she got a GRANT for this. If these people get recognized, the MONEY is going to roll in. How else are they going to afford their cigarettes and “basic” necessities? I don’t know, perhaps they could get a REAL job? And they love to harp on people who collect disability payments but I bet they would too if they were too lazy to work.

2:45 – Public Hearing: Elnu Application

Luke opened the hearing. Melody excused herself from her duties and Shirly Hook assumed the
recording of minutes. Chief Roger Sheehan began with an opening statement and welcomed
questions.

Roger spoke about the Woodland Confederacy. He spoke about the difference between
reenactment and living the history of his people. He stated that by living the history, it helps to
revitalize customs and traditions.

Professor Wiseman read a statement from Eloise Beil on the Elnu application. She will send a
complete response as soon as possible. Her comments were positive. Professor Wiseman read
the review of scholar, David Lacy, who finds that Elnu have met the criteria set out by S.222,
although the application was sometimes difficult to navigate. Professor Wiseman commented on
his own review of Elnu’s application and testified that Elnu has met all the criteria of S.222.
David asked Roger what Elnu’s goals for the future are. Roger answered that it is all about the
revitalization of traditions and culture. The sharing of music, arts/crafts, and language take a
front seat to corporate existence.

If the goals are not about “corporate existence”, then why are the Elnu incorporated? I’m not buying Longtoe’s words.  At least Melody excused herself as she should have. It won’t matter in the long run because as I have said, these people are in bed together.

4:00 – Public Hearing: Nulhegan Application

Vice Chair, Melody Brook assumed the duties of facilitator as Luke excused himself from his
duties for the duration of the hearing. Melody resumed the recording of minutes.

Chief Don Stevens thanked everyone. He mentioned that they were there fighting for recognition
so that their kids might simply be allowed to enjoy their heritage without having to fight for the
same thing in the future. He added that Natives are the only people in the world who are required
to prove their ‘pedigree’ and provide ‘papers’ for someone else to validate them.

The reason why they are required to do this is to combat fraud. It’s not about denying people their heritage. You can enjoy your heritage without recognition but you cannot PROFIT from it unless you are recognized. What’s stopping these people from enjoying their heritage? There has been an Abenaki pow-wow in Swanton for years. Nothing’s stopping these people from going to it to celebrate their heritage. Nothing’s stopping people from making traditional indian crafts. The point is, they cannot legally PROFIT from it if they are not formally recognized. That is what this all about.

Luke spoke of how painful it has been over the years watching elders, who have hoped and
fought for recognition for so many years, pass away without the honor of being recognized for
who they are.

They were always free to call themselves “indians” and honor their heritage. Once again, it’s about money or the inability to profit from one’s heritage.

Don mentioned that through this process all sorts of important information has come out – new
ideas and new validation of their distinctive identity. “This isn’t about money. We take care of
our own. We always have and we always will.”

I haven’t seen any new information that will validate Don’s heritage and that of his people. Again, Donald has his big set of blinders and his motorcycle chaps on. He wants the money.  Speaking of which, I saw him a few weeks ago at my company’s holiday dinner.  What’s the matter Don? You afraid to say hi?

Professor Fred Wiseman read the scholar’s responses from Dave Lacy, Dave Skinas, and Kevin
Dann. Each scholar agreed that Nulhegan’s application and genealogical material met all criteria
of S.222. Don reiterated that the tribe has now been validated by all three scholars and has
complied fully with S.222. Anything short of recognition would be an affront to the scholars and
the commission.

Anything short of recognition would be proof that these people are not who they say they are. If they are, they have chosen some highly dubious leaders. I’m sure the people that Donald leads are aware of his acts to sabotage the old commission and drag the names of those members through the mud. Donald didn’t want to work with a formal commission, so he did what he did.

So, once again, we have another meeting of the dummy VCNAA commission (dummy in the sense that it’s a colossal joke). Of course, April Merrill was nowhere to be seen. I wonder if they plan on throwing in the St.Francis/Sokoki band on one of their applications so they can sneak them in as well.

Something’s rotten in Montpelier and people need to wake up and see that.

VCNAA meeting minutes 9/28/10 (with added commentary)

I’d like to thank Diane McInerney for forwarding the meeting minutes of the new VCNAA. I believe strongly in equal access to public documents and if Mark Mitchell can post the minutes on his personal website, then I should have access as well.

As promised, attached are the 9/28/10 minutes. I have highlighted several sections with my own comments:

September 28

Comments follow below:

Takara Matthews nominated Luke Willard for the position of Chairman and Shirly Hook seconded. There was member Consensus and Luke Willard was elected the Chairman. The Chairman proceeded to conduct the rest of the meeting.

I’m sure that Luke was beaming with pride after this. After all, getting onto this commission is necessary if he is to make himself a “power player” in native politics in Vermont. Imagine that just a year ago, Paul Bell whined about the old commission and its’ “power-players”. New commission, same old shit?

Fred Wiseman agreed to be the Commission Web Master for the government site at http://vcnaa.vermont.gov, and will contact Harry Bell, DII. Mark Mitchell and DHP agreed to link with the Commission website.

Wait a minute? Didn’t these people complain that the commission website was “funded by taxpayer money” at one point? Again, hypocrisy rears its’ ugly head. They could save money and just use Mark’s website, since Mark already has experience with posing a website as an official state website.

Commission members agreed to table the vote for meeting procedures until the next meeting. Luke appointed Melody Walker Brook to head a working group that will gather information on scholars to fill recognition subcommittee positions required in statute. Scholars should have experience with archeology and Vermont history. They should also be aware that they will have to deal with political issues. Fred noted that scholars may be difficult to find. Giovanna agreed to present a list of potential scholars to the Commission. Dawn Macie and Shirly Hook agreed to assist Melody in this work. The working group was authorized by member Consensus to gather information on scholars.

May I suggest that these people talk to Lisa Brooks? Knowing them, they will use ‘ol Freddy Boy since he has personally and professionally stumped for Alliance tribes in the past (a clear conflict of interest).

Letters of intent to apply for state recognition were presented by Melody Walker, Elnu Abenaki and Shirly Hook, Koasek Abenaki. Dawn Macie said that the Nulhegan Abenaki will also be presenting a letter of intent. Diane will scan and send the letters to all Commission members and place the originals in the VCNAA public file.

At this point, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck could write letters of intent and they would be considered. Of course, Dawn Macie knows that the Nulhegan will be submitting a letter of intent. They’re Luke’s tribe! Duh! Can you say once again, CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

Despite my comments, I hope you enjoy reading the minutes for yourself and that they will help you draw your own conclusions.

Abenaki Inc.

Just a few quick thoughts:

1. If you have “Inc.” at the end of your name or if you are incorporated, you are NOT a tribe. A true tribe does not need to be incorporated. If money, land claims and casinos are your forte, then sure, become incorporated. But, expect to be called out.

2. Despite the differences of people on the issue of recognition, it’s not hard to agree that something must be done in regards to recognition in the State of Vermont. Unfortunately, S.222 has failed only a few months after its’ passage. The changes to it were supposed to ensure a fair, rational commission make-up. Clearly, this is not the case at this point.

3. Speaking on S.222, if the “Alliance” tribes had been willing to work with the commission that existed at the time, progress almost certainly could have been made. The trade-off is that they would have had to prove their ancestry with formal documentation, validated by PROPER scholars (not Fred Wiseman!), validated by federal authorities (i:e- their best friend, the BIA) and validated by their own people.  They did not and still do not have this proof, hence their willingness to shove S.222 through the Legislature, effectively circumventing and destroying an existing state commission.

4. I recently shared my thoughts on this new commission with Shay Totten. Transcript will be posted soon, since it’s likely that Shay will not have enough space to print everything that I had to say.

Thank you for reading.

Death threats and other threats of general violence will be forwarded to the proper authorities.

Cheers!