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What’s In An Opinion….

By Lynne Weaver
“Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.” Albert Einstein.

According to my trusty American Heritage dictionary, the meaning of the word ‘opinion’, in its simplest form, is “a judgment or estimation” and being opinionated is “holding stubbornly to one’s beliefs.”There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion because we all own up to many of them on a multitude of subjects. I like opinions and spend a good deal of time listening to and reading the opinions of others. Most online sources that include newspapers, magazines and blogs have comment sections that I not only read but contribute to. No matter how strongly I feel about a certain subject, I first try to apply a little logic as well as weigh and balance the source for credibility.

There are a lot of opinions out there in the world of news on a number of emotionally charged topics like healthcare, the war in Iraq and where and in what court the Gitmo prisoners should be tried. The media, of course, is the major source of information between news and the people who listen to it or read about it. Some news reports are tinged with a touch of opinion and melodrama to enhance readership but media opinion is also driven by the source of information itself. Political party affiliation seems to determine who we are at any given point in time and our opinions become based on what the leaders of our chosen political party believe to be true, or what they want us to believe is true.

In order to make informed choices, don’t we have a responsibility to go beyond our party affiliations to do our own research before we finalize an opinion that can change the course of another’s life, perhaps in a negative way? Some seem to have lost their ability to reason, if they had it in the first place. Can it be attributed to laziness? Should we rely completely on which news channel we choose to watch or what newspaper we subscribe to? Should we go along with party affiliation or be prepared to bend back and forth between left and right in order to better estimate the truth values of any given statement?

Some say I overanalyze the truth but how do we know what is truth unless we pick it apart…piece by piece? Isn’t it better to have done that, to educate ourselves through research of a particular topic, then to peacefully accept the status quo as the only acceptable way? How many thought the Wright brothers were nuts to think they could fly like a bird? Who knew we would be able to transport our thoughts across an entire globe by a thing called the ‘internet’?

Anything is possible and opinions are strong only if they are based on education and truth.
Comments…email me at lynne.mackbands@yahoo.com

"The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose."

Hada Bejar
The generous gifts from the lovely couple who donated them were very well appreciated by all those that received them.

We Come Bearing Gifts...

This year, like last year, a generous couple from downstate has donated a large amount of gifts for Christmas giving. There are piles of toys, personal items, hats, mittens and slippers for all ages, t-shirts and hoodies, and many other clothing items. Of particular interest is to distribute these gifts to Elders who are unable to afford gifts for family members but also for those who aren't likely to receive a gift themselves. If you know of someone that qualifies, please contact me at suninyourface@gmail.com.

WHO...?

Who operated in secret and spent millions on a barge?
Who ferried friends and family to watch hockey with tribal airplanes?
Who saw to the employment, raises and promotions of family members?
Who used tribal money for political campaign purposes?
Who robbed the tribal children of a safe haven when placing alcohol in the Big Bear?
Who spent millions on failed businesses?
Who gave away millions to pay off political allies and girlfriend?
Who planned the resignation of top employees?
Who filed suit against the tribe's gaming entity for three million dollars?
Who managed to keep the new constitution from the citizens?
Who made a mockery of the tribe's judicial system?
Who continues to use tribal resources to attack political opponents?
Who is in complete denial for the amateur negotiation for Greek Town?
Who continues to get employed and paid by the tribe despite a majority of voters denying that privilege?
Who has always been a scourge on the tribe's reputation?

How does this person , and his fellow supporters on the board continue to be reelected?
Do you want to guess?
ANONYMOUS....

HEALTHCARE…GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT OR PRIVATIZED
By Lynne Weaver
Someone once told me that I am very analytical and to the point and since that may or may not be positive reinforcement, I try to choose my words carefully rather than forcefully. That being said, where the heck do some people come up with their opinions? Is it just me or does the debate on healthcare between the public sector and government do more to confuse than help? I might as well get in on the discussion since it seems to be the highlight of everyone’s day lately.

It seems that those who hated the idea of healthcare reform have now adjusted their thinking to only the idea of a governmental takeover of all healthcare providers. Admittedly, I am addicted to the ‘news’. Although it may not be the most accurate source of a random sampling, opinions matter to me, so much of my time is spent in the comment section of news sources, reading and responding with my own thoughts. Where in all of this, is there any proof that government is going to take over all private insurers and that Americans will be forced to join a government run public option?

Avoidance of having to read the healthcare bill in order to form an educated opinion is why most of us rely on elected representatives to do that for us. It’s not as if most of us would have a clue of what we are reading if we did take the time, so putting our trust in those we elected is what we are left with. Trouble is, they are attached to that word ‘Politicians” and they are a group who are sometimes expected to speak louder on behalf of very large groups, like insurance providers.

We hear comments like “keep the government out of insurance” or “government should stay out of our business”, but aren’t they already there? What if government did just that? What if they said, “Okey Dokey, we are shutting down all government involvement in the private lives of the American citizens.” So what happens if they shut down Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, government jobs, and government contracts to privately owned companies? What will happen to the Armed Forces? Won’t bank and postal employees be a little upset when they have to work on non-government holidays?

If we shut down the government, we won’t have to pay taxes, but who will fix the roads and build the bridges? Will private citizens have to hold meetings to deal with contractors, secure loans and make payments? We will have to learn to speak for ourselves since we won’t need elected officials to do it for us, but who will we speak to? Who do we complain to about anything and everything or blame when things don’t go our way? Anyone will be able to own a gun and there won’t be Homeland Security to protect us from terrorists?

Perhaps we should think this through more carefully. I kind of appreciate government playing a role in my life.

Your comments are welcome. Email me: lynne.mackbands@yahoo.com

WARNING...EMAIL FRAUD!

I received an email this morning from a tribal member stating he is in the UK, lost his wallet and needs to borrow money. At least one other person in my email contacts has also received this request. It is a fraud and the request does not come from the real CForgraves.
If you opened this email,report it to the we address below.

Report phishing here

Update....It has been discovered that my personal email account was entered illegally and my password was changed. Beware of any emails that appear to come from me. I will no longer be using weave977 or weaver 977@yahoo. I have a new account and have ensured that all passwords are extremely difficult to break.
Lynne Weaver

It's his story and he is sticking to it !

Sault Tribe Board member, Benard Bouschor, writes a Board Note attacking a former board member that defeated him during the 94' election. Bouschor has used several Board Notes to attack the one term chairman, Aaron Payment. (Board Notes are the communication link from tribal government to the citizens.) They are generally used to discuss actions taken by government and/or notices of interest. Bouschor's loss was accompanied by great controversy.

He took the liberty of paying out two and a half million dollars to tribal attorneys and administrative heads just days prior to the election. He never advised the Board of Directors that this pay out also meant that these key personnel had tendered their resignations, almost crippling the tribal operations. Office furnishings and computers were also removed the night of the election.

Bouschor has never taken responsibility for Greektown and its loss. Instead, he blames Aaron Payment for allowing the Bankruptcy to be delayed.

A majority of tribal citizens voted not to allow Bouschor back into tribal government.

He found a way to trump that.

The list of Bouschor failures, during the twenty five years in power, are too great for this note. But, if you ask him........everyone else is to blame.

His Board Note in the current issue of the tribal paper will attest to that.

It is his story.................. and he is sticking to it.

An Anonymous Contributor

REPOWER AMERICA....HEAR THE VOICES OF AMERICA

"We can all come together to make our voices heard as one."

http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall
copy and paste the link to listen to the voices of thousands of Americans who have a message for you and our representatives in government.

JOIN REPOWER AMERICA TODAY. Please call your representatives in government and tell them to vote for clean energy technology. Mother Earth thanks you.

Anonymous email

I received this email from someone who prefers to remain Anonymous...

MB citizens are proud of their heritage but would prefer to stay low key. The aging Elders who were duped into joining the Sault Tribe, thirty years ago, always knew that they had treaty rights and that they were recognized by the federal government as a separate band, the Mackinac Band of Ottawa and Chippewa.

Believing that they would share in the government services, wealth and opportunities of the Sault Tribe, they allowed their numbers to be added, neglecting to safeguard their own identity and their own future. They never really organized. What was the sense? The Sault Tribe would provide the necessary services.

" After all, the Mac Band added thousands of natives to the rolls, demonstrating great need and qualified the Sault Tribe for grants and government services. There was only one problem. Most of the Mac Band lived beyond the Sault Tribe service area".

In more recent years, their participation in the Sault Tribe government was questioned by an elected Board member, who no doubt received votes from those very people he wanted to purge from the tribal rolls. Removing their voice from government all but eliminated their token identity. It became very clear that they could no longer depend on a future with the Sault Tribe. Now, they would have to make a decision about the Band's future. Who would lead? What laws would apply? How would we begin?

Several local chief wannabees struggled to establish an organized government. The Board of Directors became a revolving door. Power grabs and dirty tricks have kept the Band from achieving anything of substance. Volunteers have emerged and offered a glimpse of the future if only the Band could organize, unite and work for a common cause. Their efforts have been ignored by the ignorant and selfish. They have treaty rights. They could develop their own services and provide for their citizens. There are corporate interests that are ready to help them develop enterprises and create a job base. The opportunities are there.

There is no better way to honor those from the past as well as those in the future than by becoming self sufficient. Sharing their culture and building a legacy for their children's children is within their grasp. Maybe it will take some non-native help. Are they so proud not to want it, too proud for their own good, is it too much effort or just plain fear of change? Whatever the case, maybe it's time to move over and make room for those who are ready to cut through the B.S. and do the right thing for all members of the MB.

The White House National Native American Heritage Month

November 2009 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation.

The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society.

This month, we celebrate the ancestry and time-honored traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives in North America. They have guided our land stewardship policies, added immeasurably to our cultural heritage, and demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. From the American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have fought valiantly in defense of our Nation as dedicated servicemen and women. Their native languages have also played a pivotal role on the battlefield. During World Wars I and II, Native American code talkers developed unbreakable codes to communicate military messages that saved countless lives.

Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars. Our debt to our First Americans is immense, as is our responsibility to ensure their fair, equal treatment and honor the commitments we made to their forbears. The Native American community today faces huge challenges that have been ignored by our Government for too long. To help address this disparity, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocates more than $3 billion to help these communities deal with their most pressing needs. In the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, my Administration has proposed over $17 billion for programs carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and other Federal agencies that have a critical role to play in improving the lives of Native Americans. These programs will increase educational opportunities, address the scourge of alcohol abuse and domestic violence, promote economic development, and provide access to comprehensive, accessible, and affordable health care. While funding increases do not make up for past deficiencies, they do reflect our determination to honor tribal sovereignty and ensure continued progress on reservations across America.

As we seek to build on and strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship, my Administration is committed to ensuring tribal communities have a meaningful voice in our national policy debates as we confront the challenges facing all Americans. We will continue this constructive dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in Washington, D.C., this month. Native American voices have echoed through the mountains, valleys, and plains of our country for thousands of years, and it is now our time to listen.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 27, 2009, as Native American Heritage Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA
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TRIBAL NATIONS ARE ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZED AS A POLITICAL FORCE WITHIN THE U.S.

Find more news on INDIANZ.COM

Tribal concerns to gain U.S. attention
Obama to meet with Indian leaders
NEWSOK.COM
BY CHRIS CASTEEL
Published: November 4, 2009

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s conference with American Indian leaders this week will be the first such gathering in 15 years and a "monumental step” toward better relations between Washington and tribal nations, administration officials said Tuesday.
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Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters that more than 400 of the 564 federally recognized tribes had committed to sending representatives to the conference, scheduled for Thursday at the Department of Interior.

Many Oklahoma tribal leaders are expected to attend what may be the largest conference of its kind and the first since Bill Clinton was president.

Obama is scheduled to address the tribal leaders, and several cabinet officials also plan to make appearances.

Salazar said Obama wants the dialogue with the tribal leaders to be meaningful. And though he acknowledged that one conference is not going to solve complicated problems in Indian country, the secretary said the event would be "a monumental step in how we move forward together.”

Many aspects of the U.S. government’s history with American Indians have been "swept under the rug,” Salazar said.

The Obama administration is "about telling the truth and having an agenda that is proactive and positive,” he said.

Larry Echo Hawk, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said, "The best way to address the past is to honor treaty priorities and respect sovereignty.”

Among the issues expected to be discussed are economic development, education, health care and law enforcement.

In June, Obama named Kimberly Teehee, a member of the Cherokee Nation, as his senior policy adviser for American Indian affairs.

Last week, he proclaimed November to be National Native American Heritage month and said his administration had already steered $3 billion in stimulus funding to Indian country and had asked for increases in programs that serve American Indians.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/tribal-concerns-to-gain-u.s.-attention/article/3414404#ixzz0VtpsWHCo

Albert Einstein

"We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made."
Albert Einstein