Campaign donation lawsuit challenges Indian sovereignty

Holland Sentinel ^ | January 7, 2003 | Associated Press

[PhiKapMom]

That works for me -- no way should they be a sovereign nation! That is outrageous that they don't feel state laws apply to them!

[Chad Fairbanks]

Tribes refer to themselves as 'nations', but that's just arrogance talking. For all intents and purposes, they are pretty much 'states' - The State laws do not apply, but in most instances FEDERAL law applies to them. For example, the laws of California may not apply in Washington State - same principle...

[PhiKapMom]

What do you think about an Oklahoma tribe that is refusing to have federal background checks to work in the casinos and run them because they declare they are a sovereign nation and the Feds do not have that authority to require background checks?

I was shocked when I read that this morning!

[Chad Fairbanks]

Wel, let me ask you a question, PhiKapMom - do you want some other state making you follow the laws of their state? Or would you rather be bound only to your own state's laws?

State Laws do NOT apply to tribal areas for good reason - they are seperate states (though not necessarily defined as such) that are only beholden to the Federal Gov't - mush like the state you live in.

[hotpotato]

Get a clue. Sovereign tribes are along the level of a state - not a foreign country. Get a clue.

So I, a non-Indian (or probably not enough to count, anyhow), can move onto the reservation same as any state and become a voting member if I so choose? I'm not being testy. I readily admit I know little about the laws. I assumed that I could not move onto a reservation and vote as any member unlike moving to another state.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Well, here in the state of Washington, we have many private-run and state-run casinos - do the feds require federal background checks for employees for people to work in those? If not, tough s**t.

[kittymyrib]

Indians should not be allowed to vote or contribute to any political campaigns outside their tribal councils. No representation without taxation should be the rule. And a constitutional amendment may be the way to clear this up once and for all.

[hotpotato]

Wel, let me ask you a question, PhiKapMom - do you want some other state making you follow the laws of their state? Or would you rather be bound only to your own state's laws?

With the passage of the driver's license for undocumented aliens bill here in California, other states are discussing passing laws that will not accept the California driver's license as ID. We *will* be subject to their laws.

If Indian tribes are going to make donations to campaigns outside their reservations/state, they should be subject to the laws of that state where the campaign is taking place, imo.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Well, no, and it is inherently racist the way it was set up - SOme things need to be revamped, because it is tyranny to make someone have to obey tribal rules, laws, taxes etc... but not allow them to participate in the very government that is governing them.

Many of the things that occur on reservations embarrasses me, as an indian, and I think many take things too far, but to have people calling them 'foreign' goes too far as well..

[Chad Fairbanks]

But, you ARE subject to the laws of other states if you go there. So, if they don't recognize the driver's license from your state, don't go there. :0)

[hotpotato]

But, you ARE subject to the laws of other states if you go there.

You made my point.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Sure, but of someone from California goes to the reservation and gets money, which laws is he bound under - the state where he got the money, or the state he lives in?

[PhiKapMom]

That's fine -- then why are they allowed to vote in my State's election if they want to rule their own lands and my State has no say over what they do? I can see voting in federal elections but they have absolutely no business voting in a state election if they do not abide by the laws of the State they are in. I cannot go vote in Texas even though I own a lot there or cannot vote in CA where I also own property so why can they vote in my State's election since they are sovereign?

You didn't answer my question though -- why should the Tribe be exempt from Federal background checks due to their sovereignty? You just said the Feds have control but they refuse background checks by the Feds!

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Indians should not be allowed to vote or contribute to any political campaigns outside their tribal councils.

Just damn.

[hotpotato]

Well, no, and it is inherently racist the way it was set up - SOme things need to be revamped, because it is tyranny to make someone have to obey tribal rules, laws, taxes etc... but not allow them to participate in the very government that is governing them.

Once again, you have made my point. Reservations are NOT the same as states which must abide by the US Constitution where such restrictions would be against the Constitution.

[Chad Fairbanks]

then why are they allowed to vote in my State's election if they want to rule their own lands and my State has no say over what they do?

I've never thought they should be allowed to do that :0)

[Chad Fairbanks]

NOt even on the federal level? Wanna take my right to vote away? Good luck.

[PhiKapMom]

Indians should not be allowed to vote or contribute to any political campaigns outside their tribal councils. No representation without taxation should be the rule

My position exactly -- if they don't want to pay our State taxes, then they shouldn't vote in our State elections!

[Chad Fairbanks]

If the feds can force that on other sovereign entities, such as states, then they should be able to force it - if they can't, then they have no right to do so.

Pretty simple.

[hotpotato]

Well, no, and it is inherently racist the way it was set up

btw, I'm curious. Just how much percentage of Indian blood is required for me to qualify?