"There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it."

I just came across this quote but unfortunately the author was not cited. Nevertheless, it opened my eyes even more than they already were to the need for clean air, clean water and a clean Earth. In some way, we are all contributing to the pollution of those necessary life-giving elements, but we can reduce our negative impact with a little effort and a lot of voice.

If you are reading this then you have access to the greatest source of information in the world and that is the internet. There are hundreds of websites that address pollution, clean energy and "living green".

Humans are responsible for the extreme weather patterns brought on by climate change largely in part to our reliance on fossil fuels that produce heat-trapping gases. The gases warm the Earth, which warms the water causing the polar ice caps to melt. Warmer waters force cold water species further north reducing a valuable food supply.

An increase in wildfires in the last decade is largely attributed to global warming,
"A warming climate encourages wildfires through a longer summer period that dries fuels, promoting easier ignition and faster spread."
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-09-01-global-warming-california-and-wildfires/

It's a 2 for 1 deal...push for clean energy legislation and create jobs in "green technology" Someone has to do it...why not you. Hand-write a letter to your Senator so they know you are serious. Please do it today and REPOWER AMERICA.

WILL THE REAL OPPORTUNIST PLEASE STAND UP

I welcome the opportunity to address accusations by two tribal members. One claims that I am an opportunist because of my involvement with the Mackinac Bands. The second hypocritical accuser, after dropping sacred Eagle feathers on the ground in the midst of a ceremonial dance, waves his culture card at me while failing to honor the 7 Grandfathers at any level.

Less than two years ago a small group of Mackinac Band leaders took the wise advice of an Alaskan attorney to take the MB public, to work with communities and form government to government relationships, from local communites right up to the federal level. With a few wrenches thrown in here and there, we continue to forge ahead.

We have a website and blogs, have held a powwow and participated in others. We invited members to participate in annual feasts, meetings and related discussions. One board member designed and produced our flag and logo as well as spent thousands from his own pocket to provide us with much needed equipment. We have been invited to participate in major projects in more than one community, with details to be released at a later date.

Some of us have done and are still doing our research to develop business, a constitution, bylaws, and election rules. We have asked members to join us and to offer their opinions and advice. Others have offered to write grants as soon as budgets and plans are in place. Many have volunteered without expecting a dime in return but do it just to help the members of the Mackinac Bands.

Last year, the Mackinac Bands volunteers held a children's Christmas party and received a surprising number of donations including a van load of gifts from a new member living in southern lower Michigan and they have already arranged to make delivery of several more loads for this years party.

Since we have evolved from obscurity, we have managed to attract some who are trying to ride the wave on our surfboard hoping to hit the beach before we do. Mini groups who claim to be the reorganized MB seem to have an agenda other than to benefit the members of the Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. One spokesperson for one such mini group continues to show up at meetings to raise a ruckus along with sending letters to Senators (and who knows who else) to say that their group wants nothing to do with the MB which seems to contradict their actions of constant negative involvement.

Another group of half a dozen or less is also sending letters to the same Senators stating that they are the real MB even though they formed their group in April of 2008 claiming to have reorganized. The original Mackinac Bands did not reorganize and have maintained their continuity. The real intent of these mini groups seem to be struggles with power issues....who gets to be lifetime chief minus the consensus of the membership....whereas, the MB will invite the members to decide, through a membership election, who will lead for specified terms.

The constitution and bylaws of the original MB has been revised and amended and is ready for a vote. Under the new constitution, an election must be held within a year of its approval. In following the constitution, an election committee will be formed to research and produce an election code. There is much more to be done but the leaders of the MB are up to the challenge regardless of how many mini-groups try to lay claim to the work already done by the current leaders of the Mackinac Bands.

Not a single dime goes into our pockets for all we do but just the opposite occurs. Many of us not only contribute our time but our own money to help with administrative costs. We have made a lot of progress in the last couple of years. Instead of being in the red, we now have a little money in the bank and zero debt.

The question is....what have these other groups done to prove their existence other than try to take credit for the hard work of the MB? What have they done for the people they claim to represent? Where have they held their powwows and public meetings?

There are a lot of people who operate like myself and the other members of the Mackinac Bands, Mr. Doud. We volunteer because we care. If you find me to be an undesirable character that does not fit your sphere of influence then I thank the Creator for that. If I am an opportunist because I volunteer my time freely and without expectations of monetary reward then I will gladly take ownership of that title.

Thank you for setting the volunteers and the leaders of the MB apart from yourself and Mr. Grondin. We couldn't be happier for the opportunity.

Lynne Weaver

TRADITIONAL WAYS AND ORGANIZED GOVERNMENT MERGE

The tradition of the fall feast was celebrated by the Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. On Sunday, September 20 at 12:00 noon the annual Fall Feast of the MB was held at the Benton Township Hall in Alverno, eight miles south of Cheboygan. It was a beautiful day for a feast and the atmosphere was one of warmth and friendship. As is customary for Native Americans, a circle was formed and an offering of a sample of the food being served was accompanied by a prayer, tossed into the fire and sent to the Creator to give thanks for all things.

Although most Indian tribes continue to honor their old traditions, there are new added features of organized Indian tribes, one of which is the adoption of a constitution. The Mackinac Bands announced the readiness of a Constitution soon to be voted on. Another announcement of an election that would take place within a year following the approval of the Constitution requires the formation of an election committee to develop election policies and procedures. Holding an election without rules would be putting the cart before the horse so volunteers are needed in order to push the start button on the entire process. Researching and implementing what works for other tribes would be the first step in a long and tedious process and member input is imperative in order that your voices be heard.

Meetings will be set at times to accommodate the schedules of members whenever possible.

For more information email me at lynne.mackbands@yahoo.com

SAULT TRIBE PHARMACY BREAK-IN SWEPT UNDER THE RUG?

A little over a week ago, I was assisting a Sault Tribe Elder in sorting through a pile of new prescriptions to be called in. During a call to the office of one of the Elders physicians to inquire about the status of a particular drug, I was told that we would not likely be able to pick up the necessary prescriptions from the Sault Tribe pharmacy that day because it had been broken into.

News travels fast in the Soo's small community and by the next day several tribal members were discussing the break-in and the likelihood that it was an inside job. Since the pharmacy is located on the second floor and the facility is normally closed after regular daytime office hours, how did the thief gain access? Was entry gained by damaging doors or windows from the main level? Are there workers in the building after hours? Are there alarms or motion detectors as one would expect and, if so, were they tripped? What sort of drugs were stolen?

So the question remains, why was the break-in not reported in the local newspaper? If this were any other local pharmacy, this break-in would have been newsworthy enough to find a place in the otherwise boring Sault Evening News. Who is the source of the cover-up and why?

Recently, news through-the-grapevine spoke of the indictment of Joe McCoy, tribal chairman, for malicious destruction which apparently stemmed from an incident where a young person was said to have been a victim of assault at the hands of McCoy. I suppose someone could obtain the actual paper proof but why bother?

If we can't rely on the local newspaper, the local police or the Sault Tribe to report serious business regarding our tribe,then the only alternative is to discuss it amongst ourselves, create our own details and decide for ourselves whether it's fiction or non-fiction. Watch it though...the evil doers among you will tell on you.

Twenty Michigan groups urge Senate to pass legislation to safeguard America’s wildlife and natural resources from the negative impacts of global warming...

Michigan – Twenty sportsmen, conservation and outdoor recreation groups from Michigan today joined nearly 600 organizations from across the country in calling on the Senate to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also dedicates a significant portion of funding towards helping our wildlife and natural resources that are currently threatened by climate change.

“From providing us with safe drinking water to sustaining our outdoor economy, Michigan’s natural resources keep our communities healthy, our families happy, and our businesses thriving,” said Grenetta Thomassey, Policy Director, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “As a lifelong conservationist, I’m proud to be part of such a diverse coalition of interests rallying around a common cause. Together, we urge the Senate to put us on the right path by dedicating funding from climate change legislation to help safeguard our waters, lands and wildlife for future generations.”

All the groups agree that in order to realistically tackle the existing and forecasted impacts facing our treasured wild places and animals, the Senate will need to dedicate approximately 5% of the total allowances from a climate bill towards safeguarding our natural resources from the negative impacts of climate change. Here in Michigan, Senators Levin and Stabenow are being called on to champion these provisions as climate change legislation moves through the Senate.

Healthy natural systems provide clean water, clean air and protect communities from catastrophic weather-related disasters, ranging from hurricanes to floods to forest fires. In Michigan there are 1.7 million hunters and anglers who spend $3.4 billion annually, which support 46,000 jobs. Outdoor recreation accounts an overall annual contribution of $730 billion to the national economy, supporting 6.5 million jobs.

Local, state and federal agencies, tribes and fish, wildlife and land managers are critically short of funding needed to effectively respond to the combination of the challenges posed by a changing climate.

“The threat of climate change to our natural world is unprecedented,” said Lynne Weaver, Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. “To meet this challenge our local resource managers need new dedicated resources to employ safeguards on a scale never before seen.”

The groups are urging the Senate to develop climate legislation that will establish a national policy framework to begin addressing the impacts of climate change on our natural resources; provide increased scientific capacity, coordination and information sharing; and dedicate 5% of the total allowance value to federal, state and tribal agencies.

"Time is running out for many of America’s most treasured wildlife and landscapes," said Brenda Archambo, National Wildlife Federation outreach consultant. "New and dedicated resources are needed to safeguard wildlife and natural resources from climate change impacts today so future generations of Americans can enjoy a thriving natural heritage tomorrow."

JUST THROW THE LOGIC OUT THE WINDOW
By Lynne Weaver

First of all, I have never been a staunch Democrat, Republican or any other political affiliation. It has always been my stand on the issues that drove me to the voting booths…until now.

Posters showing Obama as an African witch doctor, angry citizens saying they don’t want to become a guinea pig for population control, signs that say “Obama…Commander in Thief”, references to Michelle Obama as “Blackie O”, protestors dressed in confederate soldier uniforms, Obama’s face imposed on a skull and crossbones flag, posters with Obama dressed as a Muslim, swastikas representing Nazism being used by white supremists in protest of a black president while, at the same time, pointing to Obama as being Hitler, ‘tea party’ protestors ….where is the logic in all of this?

What does health care reform and providing those who can’t afford health care with options along with choices for those that already have health care have to do with racism and Republican politics? Absolutely nothing until we elected a black president who got there because the vast majority of Americans wanted the changes he proposed. What does racism and Republican politics seem to have in common? It would appear that the election of a Democratic black president has publicly exposed the similarities and common ground of the two groups.

What nerve do I have to suggest that there is an association between Republicans and racists? The simple fact that not one single person that I have had the ‘Obama’ discussion with has been a Democrat….not one. Where do I get off making accusations of racism when these protestors simply want to save us from a socialist, communist government?

Let’s remove the obvious racist indicators. Gone are those that show Obama as an African witch doctor, gone are those that call the First Lady “Blackie O”, away with those Muslim religion haters, out with the confederates who fought against freeing the black slaves...and that leaves who? Most Americans would connect the Swastika to Hitler, the racist German leader who ordered the murder of millions of human beings simply because they were Jewish and not Christians. Republican protestors are acting out with the assumption that Obama is a Muslim because of his name. Hello…does this mean that everyone with the name of Ted is really a serial killer just as Ted Bundy was? Besides, even if Obama was a Muslim, which he isn’t, don’t we have freedom of religion in this country? Do our freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution only apply to some, but not all? So with all those racial implications out of the picture, what’s left?

What about the ‘tea party’ protestors? If they had done their historical research, protestors would be aware of the racial implications and the fact that colonialists boarded a ship disguised as Indians to destroy the tea in protest of it being taxed. The tea party protestors hid their identity and the truth of who they represented while pointing the finger at the American Indians and falsely representing a large portion of the population.

The only logical reason for protest would be the cost of health care reform but how much health care could have been purchased if not for the trillions spent on the Bush wars? “Operation Desert Storm” and now the Iraqi war cost the United States taxpayers trillions and lives and what did we get for our investment? We can count the death toll for those actions unlike Sarah Palin’s whacked out logic of future predictions of death panels for the elderly. Whoa…and she actually ran for vice president...under the Republican ticket

In their desperation to maintain control, the Republican Party threw the logic out the window and opened the door to racism and revolution. If their leaders can’t have a war outside the US, might as well have one inside. Closing tax loopholes and going after tax dodgers to pay their fair share might help foot the health care bill. Try this: throw the truth of Republican politics and racism out the window and hang onto the logic instead.

MB ANNUAL FALL FEAST AND BOARD MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fall Feast will be held on Sunday Sept.20, 09 at 12:00 noon at the Benton Twp hall, Alverno, MI. The hall is located 8mi. south of Cheboygan. Signs will be posted. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Meat and drinks will be provided. Everyone welcome.

Our next Board of Director’s meeting will be held on Tuesday Sept.15 at 1:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Cheboygan Library, room A.

REPOWER AMERICA NEEDS YOU...

A current campaign to encourage our Senators to vote for clean energy and green technology which will bring jobs to Michigan needs your help. Petitions you have signed have been gathered but the Senators have now asked that their constituents write a hand-written short note to ask them to continue the fight to pass legislation that will help bring much needed jobs to Michigan. It isn't just about the jobs but it is also about protecting our environment, air and water.

If you live in Michigan, please take a few minutes to hand-write a short note to Senator Levin and/or Senator Stabenow. Please send your letters to me or email me for pick-up and I will see to it that your message is delivered to our Senators.

Send your letter to:
Lynne Weaver
P.O. Box 651
Sault Ste. Marie, MI. 49783

Do it for Mother Earth, do it for Michigan and do it for the thousands of Michigan residents who might land a job in green energy because of your help.

EXPLAIN THIS SAULT TRIBE MANAGEMENT...

How can it be that when Sault Tribe management is taken out of the mix, Greektown Casino flourishes? Very, very, very, very suspicious!
Did I say that this sudden steady increase since the plug was pulled on Sault Tribe's involvement is very suspicious? Why do you suppose there was a previous cap on revenue? When revenues topped it's set percentage, what happened to amounts above that? Sucked away like the foam on a glass of beer? Let me say this one more time...very, very, very, very suspicious!
Maybe Sault Tribe members should demand a complete audit by the firm of their choice and consider a class action suit for damages.

Greektown Casino revenues keep climbing as MGM Grand, MotorCity report continuing declines
by Jonathan Oosting MLive.com
Tuesday September 08, 2009, 12:45 PM
Jonathan Oosting MLive.comGreektown Casino and Hotel.

Bankruptcy seems to be treating Greektown Casino quite nicely: The casino and hotel reported revenue of $30.6 million in August, an increase of 14 percent over the same month a year ago, according to data released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

It's the fifth straight month of increased revenue for the 10-year-old casino and hotel.

While both MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino continue to pull in more revenue than Greektown, their numbers continued to decline.

• MGM Grand pulled in $44 million in August, down 12 percent from last year

• MotorCity brought in $36.9 million last month, down 10 percent from 2008

Combined, Detroit's three casinos pulled in more than $111 million in adjusted gross receipts and paid more than $10 million in state wagering taxes.

ANYTHING BUT THE TRUTH....

By Lynne Weaver

Little more than a year after the Sault Tribe entered another phase of new leadership, the members of the tribe are more in the dark than ever before. All member meetings outside of the five units have ceased to exist. Members living throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan have been blindsided by their tribal leaders. Member loyalty is not something the board needs or wants since they have chosen to distance themselves from the majority of their constituents.

Instead the Sault Tribe Chairman and Board of Directors depend on the added cost of a public relations firm to state what is necessary to avoid direct communications with the members and the public. Our leaders have completely lost focus on the difference between truth and lies leaving the members right back where they were prior to the election of 2004; in the dark with the remaining employees afraid to open their mouth in protest. It’s not just the employees who have concerns about ‘crying out-loud’. Tribal members who use the medical, dental and Elder-care services also have to keep their tongues in check for fear of retribution and loss of services. Little is sacred to the Tribal Controllers, including the health and well-being of tribal Elders, with the exception of their own paychecks and positions of power.

Yet, there are still those that hang onto their belief that things are better now that their favorite leaders are working together again. Are they victims of Stockholm Syndrome, which is a psychological condition in which those taken hostage sympathize with or become emotionally involved with their captors? Victims of Stockholm Syndrome have no need for the truth because those whose minds are controlled have no need to know that their captor is a helluva liar.

With all the added costs to cover up the truth along with all the legal fees and other costs associated with trying to keep a sinking ship afloat, it makes me wonder how much could have been saved if across-the-board cuts were made that included the chairman and directors family members who are still employed at a nice better-than-a-living wage with no fear of losing their jobs in the future. Add to that, board perks of unnecessary travel, electronics equipment, free meals and trips to faraway places that bring nothing of value back to the tribe.

Nearly four hundred thousand dollars were spent to meet the demands of the membership to hold a Constitutional convention to plug the holes in the existing one, but the board refuses to allow the members to vote on the amendments. They also refuse to address the concerns of the members that the Election Committee is nicely packaged with family members of the elected chairman and several board members. Since other tribes have rotating committees and term limits, it is suspicious that the Sault Tribe does not. It makes me wonder if the members of the Sault Tribe will ever hear ‘Nothing but the Truth’ ever again.

Email me at lynne.mackbands@yahoo.com
Copyright 9/6/2009

I LOVE MY INTERNET

I have just relocated and finally have the internet again. I know you have all missed me, and now, I am baaaaack!