Sunday, April 5, 2009

Hmm this guy has a point

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Why are rights being undermined?Gordon Miles-Davenport, Mililani, Hawaii
POSTED: March 26, 2009
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I am writing to voice concern over the recent happenings at the Meskwaki Settlement. As most may know, the tribal members met Feb. 27 and successfully passed a referendum. At a meeting Mar. 12 the tribal council overturned this referendum using a clause from the tribal constitution that doesn't apply to usage.
Regardless of the question posed by the referendum, this decision should alarm and certainly provide pause for thought to tribal members. Essentially and in reality, this action by the council attempts to negate any and all citizens' right for redress. In other words, "we know what is best." Referendum/recall is injected into many state constitutions and the charters of numerous municipalities. It is placed there to allow common citizens the ultimate say/voice in a direct legislative election process. For any government to reject any constitutionally allowed referendum shows arrogance and disregard to their constituency, not to mention the law.
The real questions are: Why would any constitution hold a clause such as referendum/recall if the elected officials can arbitrarily overturn the same? Answer: not possible. Unless stated otherwise, a referendum is binding. Simple.
Who thought up this crazy idea of using another clause from the same constitution to undermine the citizen's rights? Answer: I know that not all councilmen were part of this action. Ultimately, this action lies in the hands of a few. I suggest that tribal members seek to find out who the responsible party is and fire him. Do not allow "outsiders" or politically "unelectable" individuals to run roughshod over your rights. Do not risk that which is more important than money, your right to voice a concern, to elect, to accept or reject any action taken by your leaders.
As I said earlier, no matter the question on the referendum, this is about your rights. Do what you must to retain them, or they will be gone.

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