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CHEROKEE MEDICINE WRITINGS
DEJÅ VU ALL OVER AGAIN
by Susan Bates
Between 1805 and 1832, Georgia held seven lotteries to distribute land that the state had stolen from the Creek
and Cherokee Peoples to white "settlers." The fees to participate in these lotteries were small and the state didn't make any money on the scheme. But they did replace the original Red tenants with tax paying whites.
The Creeks were the first to feel the sting of removal in 1805, while the 1832 Land Lottery and the infamous Gold Lottery held the same year, sent the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. So what? This is all ancient history, right? It can't happen again. Certainly not to you. Your Grandmother wasn't even a Cherokee Princess. Don't be so sure.
Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that local governments can seize citizen's homes and lands and turn the property over to private developers. Let me say that again. If someone with money decides they want to build something that would provide more income for the state than your home or business does, the state now has the right to force you to leave.
According to an article released by the Associated Press, "Justice John Paul Stevens said local officials, not federal judges, know best in deciding whether a development project will benefit the community.... The city has carefully formulated an economic development that it believes will provide appreciable benefits to the community, including - but by no means limited to - new jobs and increased tax revenue."
Justices Anthony Kennedy, David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer voted for the measure while Chief Justice William Rehnquist, as well as Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Sandra Day O'Connor opposed the ruling. Writing for the minority, Justice O'Connor said, "Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms."
Couple this new law with soaring property values and a grim picture emerges. With the median priced home now selling for a whopping $207,000, it is easy to see that rising property costs will result in higher tax rates which many of us will not be able to meet.
A kinder, gentler land grab ... You won't even have to be an Indian to feel the pain.
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Anthem
A Song By Leonard Cohen
The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
bought and sold
and bought again
the dove is never free.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
We asked for signs
the signs were sent:
the birth betrayed
the marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
of every government --
signs for all to see.
I can't run no more
with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places
say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up a thundercloud and they're
going to hear from me.
Ring the bells that still can ring ...
You can add up the parts
but you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march,
there is no drum
Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
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You can contact me at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box
159-1, Drury, MO 65638
Susan Bates, Editor - The Native American Journal
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Bates. Visit Susan's website, Native American Journal, dedicated to helping people rediscover their heritage. She has helped thousands of people reconnect with their beloved ancestors and features insider tribal news. The Native American Journal is a truth-seeking, truth-telling website honoring everyone's path and preparing all for the Great Earth Changes. The Native American Journal supports Leonard Peltier, the Dineh, and Mother Earth.
E-Mail: susanbates@webtv.net
Website: http://members.tripod.com/-susanbates/nativeamericanjrnl-index.html
(We are all related)
WORDS FROM 'TWEEN
Get informed, folks, seems many of our rights have been somehow eroded as we sit all cozy in our recliners munching on Fritos and more-than-one-Lay's potato chip. This culture has everyone looking at things that are in the wrong direction from what's really going on right under our noses. Thanks Susan for helping bring this information to light. |
