Idle No More was formed by Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon and Sheelah McLean to oppose C-45 and other Canadian legislation (in violation of treaties) that will adversely affect the environment and Indigenous people.
Mission Statement”
Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth. On December 10th, Indigenous people and allies stood in solidarity across Canada to assert Indigenous sovereignty and begin the work towards sustainable, renewable development. All people will be affected by the continued damage to the land and water and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to join in creating healthy sustainable communities. We encourage youth to become engaged in this movement as you are the leaders of our future. There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals. We recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.
If you’re sick and tired of all the climate change denial spin, thank you Koch Bros et al, Bolivia’s statement at the climate talks offers issues to think about–such as accountability and responsibility on the part of those who have created the problems. When considering the current state of all things climate and environment related keep in mind this recent Truthout op/ed article by Dr. Brian Moench, “Schizophrenics, Psychopaths Holding America Hostage.”
I’m not surprised at the notion that America’s business leaders and politicians have certain unsavory elements in their midst who “lead” the charge into denial. If you’re unsure where to take a stand on climate change consider this–If all the scientists who support the reality of climate change are wrong then all will be honky dory forever for the doubters. But if all the scientists are correct regarding the reality of climate change and we do nothing–well then, “Good bye, Homo Sapiens, you’ve made your toxic mess now die in it.”
And,
To the tune of, “How about those _______ (insert NFL team of your choice)? How about those Tar Sands Blockaders in Texas plugging those pipes with their bodies? $65,000 bail for them. Wow, someone takes pipeline protestors very seriously.”
Now onto today’s blogcasa main feature:
With much appreciation to Frederico Fuentes who maintains Bolivia Rising — in English– for posting this statement.
Bolivia’s address to UN climate talks: Our climate is not for sale
The following statement was made Wednesday by Jose Antonia Zamora Gutierrez, Minister of Environment and Water for the Plurinational State of Bolivia, at the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP18). DOHA, Qatar — Mr. President of the COP, distinguished Heads of State of countries of the world, Ministers, Officials, delegates and representatives of social organizations, indigenous peoples and communities and farmers of the world, receive a greeting from the Plurinational State of Bolivia and our President Evo Morales Ayma.
The planet and humanity are in serious danger of extinction. The forests are in danger, biodiversity is in danger, the rivers and the oceans are in danger, the earth is in danger. This beautiful human community inhabiting our Mother Earth is in danger due to the climate crisis.
The causes of the climate crisis are directly related to the accumulation and concentration of wealth in few countries and in small social groups, excessive and wasteful mass consumption, under the belief that having more is living better, polluting production and disposable goods to enrich wealth increasing the ecological footprint, as well as the excessive and unsustainable use of renewable and non-renewable natural resources at a high environmental cost for extractive activities for production.
A wasteful, consumerist, exclusionary, greedy civilization generating wealth in some hands and poverty everywhere, has produced pollution and climate crisis. We did not come here to negotiate climate. We did not come here to turn the climate into a business, or to protect businesses of them who want to continue aggravating the climate crisis, destroying Mother Earth. We have come with concrete solutions. The climate is not for sale, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. President, the withdrawal of some developed countries of the Kyoto protocol and avoiding of their commitments is an attack on the Mother Earth and to life. The problem of climate crisis will not be solved with political declarations, but with specific commitments.
We will not pay the climate debt of developed countries to developing countries. They, developed countries, must fulfill their responsibility. While some developed countries do their best to avoid their commitments to solve the climate crisis, developing countries are making greater efforts to reduce emissions, and paying the price of a climate crisis and that everyday leaves droughts, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, etc.
The climate crisis leaves us poorer, deprives us of food, destroys our economy, creates insecurity, and creates migration. Climate change will make the poor poorer. Poor and developing countries have a great challenge: the eradication of poverty. And we’ll have to face a climate crisis for which we are not guilty.
In addition to adapting to climate change we must ensure security, education, health, energy for the population, provision of water and sanitation services, delivery communication and infrastructure services, job creation, provision of housing, reconstruction due to loss and damage caused by extreme weather events, adaptation actions, among others.
Mr. President, We denounce to the whole world the pressure from some countries
for the approval of new carbon market mechanisms, although these have shown to
be ineffective in the fight against climate change, and that only represent
business opportunities. This is a climate change conference, not a conference
for carbon business. We did not come here to do business with the death of
Mother Earth betting on the power of markets as a solution. We are here to
protect our Mother Earth, we came here to protect the future of
humanity.
Yesterday forests were turned into carbon markets businesses,
and the same was done with the land, they tried to oceans and, worse, to
agriculture. Agriculture is food security, employment, life, and culture.
Agriculture is along with the land, mountains and forests, the house and the
food of our indigenous and peasant communities.
We will not allow the
replacement of the obligations of developed countries with carbon markets. The
planet is not for sale, nor our life.
It is essential that developed
countries take the lead with mitigation actions with concrete results and high
ambitions and that developing countries do their part within their respective
capabilities, and according to financial and technological transfers, solving
problems of poverty.
Mr. President, In Bolivia we have the vision of
Living Well as a new approach for civilization and cultural alternative to
capitalism, and in this context we focus our efforts to create a balance and
harmony between society and nature.
Bolivia, presented here concrete
proposals to strengthen the global climate system. We have proposed the creation
of the Joint Mechanism for Mitigation and Adaptation for integrated and
sustainable management of forests, not based on markets, to strengthen
community, indigenous and peasant management of our forests, which can promote
climate mitigation actions without transferring the responsibilities of
developed countries to developing countries.
Also, we promote
consistently the creation of an international mechanism to address loss and
damage resulting from natural causes and impacts of climate change in developing
countries. Our country will not promote carbon market mechanisms such as REDD,
and will respect and strengthen community management of forests.
Mr. President, We will not allow the people of the world to pay the bill for the irresponsibility and greed. It’s time to give concrete answers to humanity and Mother Earth. Let’s be careful of the intentions of some developed parties to make us feel resigned in front of this terrible reality, and admit the inertia and inaction of those countries that are historically responsible of global warming, sending us a message that is better to have a “pragmatic” attitude, which of course will condemn to cook planet and the extinction of the humanity.
Mr. President, brothers and sisters of the world, take these words as a commitment to life and Mother Earth. With this conviction we will be guided to meet the challenge we have in this conference, the challenge of saving the planet, and not to negotiate our climate. Thank you Mr. President.
Mr. President, brothers and sisters of the world, take these words as a commitment to life and Mother Earth. With this conviction we will be guided to meet the challenge we have in this conference, the challenge of saving the planet, and not to negotiate our climate. Thank you Mr. President.
Sorry for all the links folks, but I think it’s best that people looking for information regarding this Recall effort see/hear/read it at places where it can be found online so that they have those sources for the future.
I’ve been following Dine’ water issue and watching to see how this all plays out with much interest in how the Navajo people are working together. There’s only one thing I can contribute to this story. It’s been over 30 years since I spent some time at what was then Ganado Community College in Arizona. While there I learned that many Navajo and Hopi people had to haul water from wells, from natural potholes in the ground that caught rainwater, from 55 gallon drums, and anything else that would serve, set out to catch rainwater or that were filled from natural sources and hauled back home. At that time they’d been doing all this water hauling forever. Thirty years later they’re still doing it in many communities. In a video for SB 2109 Sen. John McCain used a photograph of Navajo people drawing water from a well and he made a comment that they have no infrastructure to deliver water to their homes. McCain did not go on to say that this should not be happening in 2012. He did not say, “These people need infrastructure to get water to their homes.” What he did say is that water can be used effectively by OTHERS and should be!
Here I sit where with the twist of a wrist I can turn on a flow of water into a kitchen sink and fill a glass with clean drinking water at will. Another twist and I can send water through a hose at a drip to the local heat exhausted birds foraging in the front yard. I can flush an indoor toilet all day long. Hot and cold showers are available on demand. The laundry machine is just a few steps away for washing clothes. The only water I haul is in a plastic two gallon pail to the little bird beach in the backyard under the trees beyond the reach of the hose. Can you imagine having to haul ALL your drinking, cooking, bathing, gardening water all the time? Think about it. I suggest Shelly, McCain and Kyl think about it too. Furthermore, I suggest they DO it themselves. Yes, I suggest those fellows all get dropped off at the Navajo community furthest from any water whatsoever and be left to their own devices to get their water supply in order to survive. All on their own with no one to help them carry a single drop.
Just when I thought facebook was becoming too much of a pain in the butt to waste time even checking the newsfeed, Navajo Truth Stop SB 2109 posts a link to Dine’ Water Rights’ sweet piece that demands to be SHARED: Reasons why SB 2109 should be smacked down all around Senators McCain and Kyl. Shame, Shame! O, I forgot, this is America where the motto is not “Do No Harm” — but rather,”Do Whatever the hell you can make a profit off any way you can — Just DO NOT GET CAUGHT. If caught, deny, deny, deny till the day you die.” The post said “share”– so I’m sharing. I wonder what Stanley Pollock is thinking about now. I bet John McCain knows!
Hmm, I bet some of you wish I’d stick to writing book reviews. Don’t worry there are more of those forthcoming.
Here’s the content Navajo Truth Stop SB 2109 link shared:
Ya’at’eeh, Here is a Navajo Nation resolution with proposed wording that clarifies the reasons why Navajo Chapters should not support SB 2109:
The [Chapterhouse Name] as part of the Navajo Nation. Sponsors: [Resident from Chapter] Topic: “Opposing “NAVAJO-HOPI LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT,” S2109 (“Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012”) and HR 4067 (“ Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012” The [CHAPTER HOUSE NAME] Whereas, the Navajo Nation is in grave need of fresh drinking water presently and for the future.
Whereas, The State of Arizona, State of New Mexico, State of California, State of Nevada and Mexico have been appropriated 2,800,000 acre-feet Colorado River Water in Arizona v. California , 547 US 150, 126 S.Ct. 1543, 155, Whereas, The Navajo Nation was denied entry into Arizona v. California, November 20, 1961, 368 US 917, and January 8, 1962 368 US 950 which is discriminatory as other Indian tribes were let in even though they were barred, Whereas, In re the GENERAL ADJUDICATION OF All RIGHTS TO USE WATER IN the GILA RIVER SYSTEM AND SOURCE, Supreme Court of Arizona, Nov. 26, 2001, decrees that water be “tailored to the reservation’s minimal need,” “consideration of existing users’ water rights,” “realistic basis for measuring tribal entitlements.”, and “welfare and progress of our indigenous population is inextricably tied to and inseparable from the welfare and progress of the entire state.” is ridiculously lopsided controlling decree that favors the State of Arizona and no future water for the Navajo Nation.
“NAVAJO-HOPI LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT,” S2109 (“Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012”) and HR 4067 (“ Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012” is bad water legislation and termination of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe for the following reason: 1. $199 million and other monies for a total of $358.7 million not guaranteed by the US , S2109 Sec. 109(c), 2. Navajo Water Projects not guaranteed by the US government. S2109 Sec. 103 (a)(6), 3. Poorly written settlement agreement, S2109 and HR 4067, 4. Universal execution and release of claims against the State (or any agency or political subdivision of the State), the Hopi Tribe, or any other person, entity, corporation or municipal corporation under Federal, Stateor other law for all for all time. S2109 Sec. 105(a)(1)(A),
5. Retained claims in S2109 is questionable as retain claims are put back into the category of explicitly waived claims which leaves the Navajo Nation with no water claims including the claim to the Lower Colorado River and Upper Colorado River. S2109 Sec. 105(a)(1)(B), 6. Navajo-Gallup Project water is only a temporary Congressional fix for Navajo Water Rights until a final Indian water rights settlement is approved by Congress for the Lower Colorado River . S2109 Sec. 206 (c)(3)(A), 7. S2109 and Settlement Agreement releases US responsibility of N-Aquifer. S2109, Sec. 103 (c)(3), 8. S2109 and Settlement Agreement give Peabody Coal a license to be exempt from the N-Aquifer Management plan and continued water withdrawals that are damaging the N-Aquifer. S2109 Sec. 104, (e)(1) and Settlement Agreement 6.2,
9. S2109 releases the US from damaging past and present claims relatingin any manner to damages, losses, or injuries to water, water rights, land, or other resources due to loss of water or water rights (including damages, losses, or injuries to hunting, fishing, gathering, or cultural rights due to loss of water or water rights, claims relating to interference with, diversion, or taking of water, or claims relating to failure to protect, acquire, or develop water, water rights, or water infrastructure) within the reservation and off-reservation trust land thatfirst accrued at any time prior to the LCR enforceability date. S2109 Sec. 105 (2)(xi), 10. Relieves the US of the Churchrock Uranium spill in 1979. S2109 Sec. 105 (2)(iii) to (iv), 11. Navajo Nations 12 million acre-foot per year claim to the Colorado River is reduced to a claim of 22,589 acre-foot per year. S2109 Sec. 206 (a)(1), 12. If settlement fails, Navajo Nations 12 million acre-foot per year claim to the Colorado River is reduced to a claim of 22,589 acre-foot per year and returned to the Secretary S2109 Sec. 206 (c)(1), 13. If settlement fails, Navajo Nations 12 million acre-foot per year claim to the Colorado River is reduced to a claim of 22,589 acre-foot per year and terminated by the Secretary S2109 Sec. 206 (c)(3)(C),
14. S2109 (c) 3(C) Terminates the Navajo Nation and the S2109 (c) 4 (C) terminates the Hopi Tribe as who can live in the desert without water, 15. Navajo Nation would have unlimited use of groundwater, but C-Aquifer is mostly salty and sulfate. C-Aquifer near Leupp , Arizona already has 11.55 pico-curies per liter of gross alpha radiation close to the maximum limit of 15 pico-curies per liter and high levels of sulfate, 16. Navajo Nation would have unlimited use of groundwater, but R-Aquifer is contains salt and sulfate and connected to the C-Aquifer to radioactive Breccia pipes. R-Aquifer explicitly not defined in S2109. R-Aquifer share with Prescott , Verde Valley , and other Indian Tribes,
17. Navajo Nation would historically get 40,780 acre-feet per year (Settlement Agreement 4.5.2) or radioactive contaminated wate, but Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement, Report to theNavajo People, April 2012, page 22, by the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission says 37,780 afy. Either somebody cannot add or the report was never checked, 18. Navajo Nation would get 100,000 acre-feet per year of radioactive water located at Blue Spring, located 2,500 feet below the cliffs of the Little Colorado River Gorge which is salty and sulfate requiring prohibitive distillation costs to purify for drinking, 19. Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement, Report to the Navajo People, April 2012, page 41, by the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission says “If Congress fails to fund the projects – Navajo gives not waiver and there is no deal,”, but if settlement fails, Navajo Nations 12 million acre-foot per year claim to the Colorado River is reduced to a claim of 22,589 acre-foot per year and returned to the Secretary S2109 Sec. 206 (c)(1) and termination of water claim and the Navajo and Hopi. Therefore, the [CHAPTER HOUSE NAME] oppose and reject “NAVAJO-HOPI LITTLE COLORADO RIVER WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT,” S2109 (“Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012”) and HR 4067 (“ Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012” as blackmail with termination of the Navajo andHopi as a consequence. We request that Stanley Pollock be excluded from the Navajo Nation and removed from any water related cases for not appealing the Gila River Adjudication Decree of November 26, 2001 as it provided a controlling tool to terminate the Navajo and Hopi from the face of the Earth. Therefore, the Navajo Nation water litigation team must be reformed.
Therefore, the US Congress must be lobbied to provide a congressional law to immediately provide 8 million acre-feet of mainstream Colorado River Water as a right for the Churchrock Radiation spill and for the US not providing for the water needs of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe. This resolution was passed __________ for __________against On this ______ day, 2012.
Click image designed by Donovan Pete to use as cover on facebook.
Regarding Fort Defiance meeting to discuss SB 2109:
Posted on Navajo Truth SB 2109 facebook page along with the photos, links, observations and thoughts of many other people. http://www.facebook.com/#!/navajotruth
via Bonnie Jean Canyon:
The police presence at the Fort Defiance meeting was intense and intimidating. This was mentioned by more than one person when the public was allowed to address the NNVP and other officials. I feel it was uncalled for and excessive. Im still trying to figure out why they also needed 2 or 3 fire trucks and also 3-4 ambulances? They must know already just how strongly the people are opposed to this? All the emergency response vehicals took up so much space it was very difficult to find parking. There was a pretty good turn out but it was after 5 that people started showing up even though the meeting started at 4 and Im assuming its because most work until 5. They ran out of chairs and many remained standing for most of the meeting. I feel the power point slide show they presented was meant to sell the bill more than it was to educate and inform. The people present strongly opposed the bill and many who wished to voice their concerns and ask questions were not allowed to speak. I was very happy to see young people in attendence including 2 that came all the way from Phoenix to speak and also a student from Dine College. At least 3 people spoke up towards the end and called out to the NNVP that they had not been allowed to speak. Once again proof that more forums are needed and also that more time should have been given to the public to speak and ask questions. It seems that most feel, that despite the claims of all the uncertainties of letigation, most would rather continue the fight for water claims in court than to waive them and settle.
Photo from Renaldo Chapman–on Navajo Truth SB 2109 facebook–Security at Fort Defiance meeting.
For some insight into the land, people, history and political economics involved in this issue consider this article at – Izilwane –Connecting the human animal to theglobal ecosystem–
“Belonging to the Land, Part One: The Elders of Black Mesa” by Zoe Kransey
Our Water Rights has a hard copy letter writing campaign underway. For information on SB 2109 and HR 4067, and the addresses for snail mail visit www.ourwaterrights.org
Click poster for more images at Navajo Truth SB 2109 on facebook.
Now this is what an alliance looks like. Take note of all the interconnected issues and groups involved in this event. Some people are getting together for mutual support. Something tells me this sort of bridge building is not taught in The Huppenthal Mind Control School Plan. But taking an axe to the Ethnic Studies programs in the state of Arizona sure might have thrown some serious fuel on this bonfire. Protecting Mother Earth is everyone’s common ground. Unless, of course, you’re McCain, Kyl, a Bush, BP, Shell, Chevron, Trans-Canada, Canadian PM Harper, Kinder-Morgan, Enbridge, Palin — whatever will it take to wake these folks up? Oil spills inside their homes? Mandatory gas masks for everyone? Water rationing?
Not in Arizona? Then spread the news cause I don’t think this rally will be aired on CNN, ABC, NBC or Fox news unless it’s a 5 second soundbite IF the police crack open some pepper spray.
Earth Day musing: Yes, that little dark streak near the top is a human. We are much like ants on Earth. Unfortunately in many ways we’re lethal ants destroying everything in our path.
For those of you suffering from limited attention spans please do not let the length of this video deter you from hearing Patricia’s speech given at the Indigenous Environmental Network Conference on the Rights of Mother Earth Restoring Indigenous Life Ways of Responsibility and Respect. There are several important things well worth learning in her speech and replies to questions. One very significant element is how a village of 1,200 has developed international alliances for support of all kinds. I think it’s an art many others need to foster in their own communities. We need to make the most of our common ground in order to protect Earth. Respect, support, communication, tolerance for our differences are not easy to acquire. If the only thing we have in common is a love for Mother Earth–then we better make the most of it. Unlike the Nature Conservancy I think we need to do a great deal more than enjoy picnics outside in order to ‘celebrate’ Earth Day. The Tar Sands operation is just one hard harsh reality we need to face head on. Now, when it’s possible to picnic on the Tar Sands site then that would be something to celebrate indeed. We’re a long long way from that picnic. Presently I don’t think we’d be welcome at the Tar Sands site unless our baskets contained a few tons of solid gold currency.
”. . . protecting the chief economic drivers in the area.”
Senator John McCain clearly has “deep concerns for Arizona’s water resources” –as his office’s form letter reply indicates. I get the sense that McCain — and the folks who contend with his official email service–don’t want to discuss SB 2109 at all. Hmm, maybe we should all shut up and let him and Senator Jon Kyl (no reply yet) do as they damn well please. Nawwww, where would be the fun in that? Eh? (sarcasm).
Below is a direct copy and paste of the contents of a form letter reply I received today from Senator John McCain in reply to my emailed request to Stop SB 2109. Note there is NO mention nor reference to SB 2109, no reference to the Little Colorado River, no reference to Navajo and Hopi water rights issues. This is a form letter that politely ignores an important issue by focusing on water supply in general.
I’m very curious if anyone else has received this same letter or different versions of it in response to their emails regarding SB 2109.
And about those economic drivers–please do tell us more, Senator McCain. We wouldn’t want to mis-connect those dots. Do those include coal mines? Golf course developers? Snowbirds from the chilly northern parts of the states? Or ??? Inquiring minds do so want to know the details.
Any suggestions on how to reply to this reply? I’m open to all ideas.
April 19, 2012
Thank you for contacting me regarding your concern for the future of Arizona’s water resources. I appreciate knowing your views on this serious matter.
For several consecutive years, the State of Arizona and much of the western United States has experienced abnormally dry weather. Several years of below-average precipitation and snowfall has decreased the water levels in our lakes, rivers and streams. Lingering drought conditions have made Arizona’s ability to maximize water capacity difficult. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest man-made reservoirs, are at 57% and 65% capacity.
As you know, Arizona’s water is a precious resource in Arizona’s arid desert climate, the lack of which could widely affecteconomic prosperity and environment. I believe Arizona can overcome the challenges of long-term drought with proper statewide planning, water conservation, and science-based collaboration. I support the efforts of state leaders to develop and implement a state-wide drought management plan that promotes water conservation in both rural and urban communities.
Arizona’s state groundwater code, the Groundwater Management Act of 1980, has been heralded as innovative and proactive law to address serious overdrafting of underground aquifers. However, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), groundwater continues to be mined within at least three designated Active Management Areas while water demands continue to increase. The state water code is a framework that will need to be expanded by state legislators to provide the tools necessary to the state and local agencies to effectively manage available water supplies over the long term.
In many watersheds and rural areas in Arizona, water conservation measures will not be sufficient to bring demand in balance with available supply. I have learned firsthand of the extent of groundwater overdrafts in the Sierra Vista subwatershed where the Upper San Pedro Partnership is spearheading the effort on collaborative, science-based water management to protect the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area and serve Ft. Huachuca and the neighboring communities. This program has brought into clear focus the need for change in state and local water and building codes to significantly reduce water demands and groundwater overdrafts to prevent the last free-flowing river in the Southwest from running dry, as well as protecting the chief economic drivers in the area. There is a great deal more work to be done over time to meet these water goals but it is an approach that should be considered for other watersheds throughout the state.
Please be assured of my deep concern for Arizona’s water resources. Do not hesitate to contact me again on this or any other issue.
RANT ALERT! Forewarning–feel free to skip the first paragraph vent if you’re easily offended by ranting that does not bother with being politically correct. Thank you for your patience, forbearance and understanding.
Ever find your patience dramatically challenged by the inability to read or comprehend the written text? Sometimes this is the result of a language barrier. Sometimes it’s the result of fatigue. Sometimes it’s the result of a cultural divide. Sometimes it’s the result of misunderstanding a word or phrase. Sometimes it’s just plain poor reading comprehension skills. Sometimes it results from psychological triggers unexpectedly being set off by a word or phrase. Sometimes it’s just plain ignorance. Sometimes it’s the result of stupidity–yes stupidity for lack of a more accurate politically correct word. Sometimes it’s the result of a mental or physical illness (I suspect my brother’s inability to comprehend simple rational concepts in English is the result of the former rather than the later impairment as he seems to be functioning on the physical level. But I could be wrong about this conclusion. A coin flip could decide the issue better than I. But it won’t stop me from sending him a visit from a straightjacket brigade when I have the funds to do so.) Sometimes it’s the result of a cunning plan to mislead and dissuade folks from realizing one’s intentions. Sometimes it’s just the nature of legal documents. I could go on with these “Sometimes” but I will spare you such speculations. But do feel free to share your own insights and expand my perspective by doing so.
Oh and let me attempt to make one thing very clear— I do NOT support passage of SB 2109. Second clarification: Links are to petitions to STOP SB 2109– NOT in support of it. Are we all chill now? If this is in any way still unclear– polite and civil requests for clarification will be politely and civilly answered to the best of my ability to do so.
The following is basically a list of some items of interest regarding the continuing saga of SB 2109 which involves a deviously ambiguously constructed senate bill introduced by Senator Jon Kyl and Senator John McCain of Arizona. Reading the full text of the bill might drive you over the edge with its definitions and legalese language. Have your favorite painkiller/food comfort readily available as you explore the contents. I needed two rounds of ibuprofen, more coffee than normally consumed and a quantity of dark chocolate that I will not divulge in order to wade through the damn thing. Yes, I do believe it was written to be confusing and hard to understand–deliberately. That’s right deliberately written for difficult reading. And that makes the easily comprehensible sections even more suspect in my paranoid brainpan. Gee, there’s a reason for writing that way–usually it’s to hide things in plain sight. O yes, asses need to be covered legally and writing such as this is great for covering asses like McCain and Kyl. I am so glad I am NOT a journalist with aspirations of total objectivity. I’d fail utterly as I am well aware of my limitations in this regard. But I’m not a reporter or journalist—soooooo ON with this blog show!
Follow whatever catches your interest. Thank you for visiting my blogcasa.
Following excerpt from Anne Minard’s article at Indian Country Today Media Network. In depth piece complete with decent map and some very wishy-washy verbal moves by the likes of Stanley Pollack. Gee, I wonder what motivates folks to write hard to comprehend legislature? Could it be in order to make it harder for people to comprehend and therefore oppose such legislation? OO never! (sarcasm).
Senator Kyl acknowledges in a public video about the bill that, “Legally, the Navajo Nation and Hopi tribe may assert claims to larger quantities of water [than are outlined in the settlement] but … they do not have the means to make use of those supplies in a safe and productive manner. “
Becenti disputes that. “In reality we do have a lot of water projects that we were talking about 30 years ago,” he said. “But every time we approach the United States government to approve them, they won’t.”
And Jihan Gearon, executive director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition, says the provisions that help shore up the future of the Navajo Generating Station are a direct affront to her group’s efforts to build renewable energy capacity across the reservation.
“As an organization, our goal is to shut down the Navajo Generating Station and transition to renewable energy development,” she said. The settlement, on the other hand, appears to be “part of this big strategy to keep the Navajo Generating Station going at the lowest possible cost. These things that they’re stipulating have nothing to do with who should be offered which water. Instead, they support unsustainable development that’s happening in northern Arizona
Via Native News Network: People being turned away from meeting at Tuba City Charter Hall due to room for only 200 inside. Speakers were set up outside for those not able to enter. Click photo to visit Native News Network site. Apparently people were told to ask questions only in Navajo and some were not allowed to ask questions.
From National Native News:
The following is the schedule of public forums on the Little Colorado River Water Rights. All meetings are scheduled at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the respective location indicated.
April 17 Greyhills High School Auditorium, Tuba City
April 18 Pinon High School Auditorium, Pinon
April 19 Ganado Chapter House, Ganado
April 20 Oak Springs Chapter House, Oak Springs
April 24 Leupp Chapter House, Leupp
April 25 Teesto Chapter House, Teesto
April 26 Fort Defiance Chapter House, Fort Defiance
Take note that there are 110 Navajo communities–not just these 7 picked for meetings.
If you click on the colored sections of the map at the right of the page it will pull up the communities in each area – http://www.nndcd.org/
Violating copyright births bad karma---imagine a mad hacker you'll never see coming--nor catch going. Respect = my work is my work and your work is your work.
Everything posted here is my work, copyrighted, unless otherwise noted. Comments aside. Om
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